Patent Publication Number: US-11659884-B2

Title: Protective headgear

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/019,259, filed on May 1, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/026,046, filed on May 16, 2020 and Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 3,085,700 filed on Jul. 6, 2020. The contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to protective headgear such as helmets, masks and face shields that can be used in various activities, including sports (e.g., hockey, lacrosse, football, etc.), work, and other situations, where protection against pathogens or other contaminants is desired. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Protective headgear is used by individuals for various purposes in many activities and situations. 
     For example, helmets are worn in sports and other activities (e.g., motorcycling, industrial work, military activities, etc.) to protect their wearers against head injuries. To that end, helmets typically comprise a rigid outer shell and inner padding to absorb energy when impacted. For instance, in hockey, football, lacrosse, and other sports, a player wears a helmet to protect against head injuries from impacts that occur during a game. 
     Protection against contaminants (e.g., infectants), such as pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms) or other biohazards, chemical hazards, or other hazardous substances, transmittable between people (e.g. as part of spatter, an aerosol, or other droplets) may sometimes be required or otherwise desirable. In some cases, such as while engaging in sports and/or other activities, in which impact protection may also be desirable, contaminant protection may be less easily achievable. 
     For these and/or other reasons, there is a need to improve protective headgear, including for contaminant protection. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to various aspects, this disclosure relates to protective headgear that is wearable on a head of a user and may be configured to provide impact protection and contaminant protection. The protective headgear may comprise a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts and a contaminant blocker configured to protect against contaminants (e.g., infectants), such as pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms) or other biohazards, chemical hazards, or other hazardous substances, transmittable to or from the user (e.g. as part of spatter, an aerosol, or other droplets). The helmet and the contaminant blocker may be configured to connect or otherwise interact with one another to be usable together. This may facilitate their use to enhance protection of the user and/or an environment of the user, while maintaining performance of the user, including by providing breathability, being spatter proof, ensuring proper vision, being antifogging, being customizable, and/or having other desirable attributes. 
     In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of a face of the user, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and be connected to the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and conform to the faceguard. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and be connected to the faceguard. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The helmet also comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The protective headgear further comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and be mounted between the faceguard and the chin member. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The protective headgear further comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of a face of the user, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and be connected to the chin member. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of a face of the user, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and be retained on the user&#39;s head solely by interacting with the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the contaminant blocker being strapless. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and be removable from the helmet while the chin member remains connected to a remainder of the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and be removable from the helmet without removing the chin member from the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The helmet also comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and be removable from the helmet while the faceguard and the chin member remain connected to a remainder of the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The helmet also comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, and be removable from the helmet without removing the faceguard and the chin member from the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a protective headgear wearable on a head of a user. The protective headgear comprises a helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The protective headgear also comprises a contaminant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user. The contaminant blocker comprises a detachable fastener to detachably fasten the contaminant blocker to the chin member. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a contaminant blocker wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The contaminant blocker is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and comprises a connector configured to connect the contaminant blocker to the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a contaminant blocker wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The contaminant blocker is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and conform to the faceguard. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a contaminant blocker wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The contaminant blocker is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face. The contaminant blocker comprises a connector configured to be connected to the faceguard. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a contaminant blocker wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The helmet also comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The contaminant blocker is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and be mounted between the faceguard and the chin member. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a contaminant blocker wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The contaminant blocker is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user. The contaminant blocker comprises a connector configured to be connected to the chin member. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a contaminant blocker wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The contaminant blocker is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and be retained on the user&#39;s head solely by interacting with the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a contaminant blocker wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The contaminant blocker is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and being strapless. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a clear shield wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user. The clear shield is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and comprises a clear material allowing the user to see therethrough. The clear shield also comprises a vent comprising a vent opening and a filter in the vent opening. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a clear shield wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user. The clear shield is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user. The clear shield comprises a thin clear member including clear material allowing the user to see therethrough. The thin clear member is curved between a left lateral side of the clear shield and a right lateral side of the clear shield and shaped to bend towards the user&#39;s face towards a top of the thin clear member and towards a bottom of the thin clear member. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a clear shield wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user. The clear shield is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user. The clear shield comprises a thin clear member including clear material allowing the user to see therethrough. The thin clear member is concave in a widthwise direction of the clear shield and in a heightwise direction of the clear shield. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a clear shield wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a visor to protect a face of the user against impacts. The visor comprises a lens and a grid disposed below the lens and comprising vent openings. The clear shield is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and overlie the grid of the visor. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a clear shield wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts. The helmet comprises a visor to protect a face of the user against impacts. The visor comprises a lens and a grid disposed below the lens and comprising vent openings. The clear shield is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and interlock with the grid of the visor. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask comprises an opening to receive part of the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of the user&#39;s face. The mask comprises a connector configured to be connected to the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of the user&#39;s face. The mask comprises a connector configured to be connected to the faceguard. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard configured to protect a face of the user against impacts. The helmet also comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and be mounted between the faceguard and the chin member. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The helmet comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask comprises a connector configured to be connected to the chin member. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user and be retained on the user&#39;s head solely by interacting with the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user and being strapless. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The helmet comprises an outer shell. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask comprises a strap system configured to fasten the mask to fastening elements disposed on the outer shell. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The helmet comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask is removable from the helmet while the chin member remains connected to a remainder of the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The helmet comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask is removable from the helmet without removing the chin member from the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard to protect the user&#39;s face against impacts and a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask is removable from the helmet while the faceguard and the chin member remain connected to a remainder of the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The helmet comprises a faceguard to protect the user&#39;s face against impacts and a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask is removable from the helmet without removing the faceguard and the chin member from the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The helmet comprises a chin member configured to engage a chin of the user. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask comprises a detachable fastener to detachably fasten the mask to the chin member. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask has a differential pressure of less than 6 mm H 2 O/cm 2  according to ASTM F2100-19. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask is a level 2 barrier according to ASTM F2100-19. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The left and right lateral portions of the mask are more breathable than a central portion of the mask disposed between the left and right lateral portions of the mask in a widthwise direction of the mask. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask comprises a hydration opening configured to allow the user to drink potable liquid through the mask. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask comprises a hydration opening configured to allow the user to drink potable liquid through the mask. The mask comprises portions movable relative to one another to open and close the hydration opening. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask is customized for the user&#39;s face based on 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask comprises 3D-printed material. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the user wearing a helmet to protect a head of the user against impacts. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and provide a cooling effect to the user. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user, the mask being configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The mask is customized for the user&#39;s face based on 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user. The mask comprises 3D-printed material. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method of customizing a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The method comprises obtaining 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face. The method also comprises generating 3D model data representative of the mask based on the 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face. The method further comprises making the mask based on the 3D model data representative of the mask. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method of customizing a mask wearable on a head of a user to protect against contaminants transmittable to or from the user. The mask is configured to engage and cover at least part of a face of the user. The method comprises obtaining 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face. The method comprises generating 3D model data representative of the mask based on the 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face. The method comprises 3D printing at least part of the mask based on the 3D model data representative of the mask. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a protective headgear wearable on a head of a user engaging in a sport. The protective headgear comprises a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell, a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell and a faceguard connected to the outer shell and configured to protect a face of the user against the impacts. The protective headgear also comprises an infectant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user, and be connected to the faceguard. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a protective headgear wearable on a head of a user engaging in a sport. The protective headgear comprises a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell and a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell. The protective headgear also comprises an infectant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user, and be connected to the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a protective headgear wearable on a head of a user engaging in a sport. The protective headgear comprises a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell and a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell. The protective headgear also comprises an infectant blocker configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face, protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user, and be detachably fastened to the helmet such that the infectant blocker is removable from the helmet and the helmet is usable by the user without the infectant blocker. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided an infectant blocker wearable on a head of a user engaging in a sport, the user wearing a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell, a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell and a faceguard connected to the outer shell and configured to protect a face of the user against the impacts. The infectant blocker is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user. The infectant blocker comprises a connector configured to connect the infectant blocker to the faceguard. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided an infectant blocker wearable on a head of a user engaging in a sport, the user wearing a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell and a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell. The infectant blocker is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user. The infectant blocker comprises a connector configured to connect the infectant blocker to the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided an infectant blocker wearable on a head of a user engaging in a sport, the user wearing a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell and a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell. The infectant blocker is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user. The infectant blocker comprises a connector configured to detachably fasten the infectant blocker to the helmet such that the infectant blocker is removable from the helmet and the helmet is usable by the user without the infectant blocker. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user engaging in a sport, the user wearing a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell, a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell, and a faceguard connected to the outer shell and configured to protect a face of the user against the impacts. The mask is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user. The mask comprises a connector configured to connect the mask to the faceguard. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user engaging in a sport, the user wearing a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell and a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell. The mask is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user. The mask comprises a connector configured to connect the mask to the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a mask wearable on a head of a user engaging in a sport, the user wearing a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell and a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell. The mask is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user. The mask comprises a connector configured to detachably fasten the mask to the helmet such that the mask is removable from the helmet and the helmet is usable by the user without the mask. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a clear shield on a head of a user engaging in a sport, the user wearing a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell, a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell; and a faceguard connected to the outer shell and configured to protect a face of the user against the impacts. The clear shield is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s face and protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user. The clear shield comprises a connector configured to connect the clear shield to the faceguard. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a clear shield on a head of a user engaging in a sport, the user wearing a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell and a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell. The clear shield is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user. The clear shield comprises a connector configured to connect the clear shield to the helmet. 
     In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a clear shield on a head of a user engaging in a sport, the user wearing a sport helmet configured to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts during the sport including with other individuals. The sport helmet comprises an outer shell and a liner disposed within and secured to the outer shell. The clear shield is configured to cover at least part of a face of the user and protect against infectants transmittable to or from the user. The clear shield comprises a connector configured to detachably fasten the clear shield to the helmet such that the clear shield is removable from the helmet and the helmet is usable by the user without the clear shield. 
     These and other aspects of this disclosure will now become apparent to those ordinarily skilled upon review of a description of embodiments that follows in conjunction with accompanying drawings. 
     These and other aspects of this disclosure will now become apparent to those ordinarily skilled upon review of a description of embodiments that follows in conjunction with accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       A detailed description of embodiments is provided below, by way of example only, with reference to drawings accompanying this description, in which: 
         FIGS.  1  to  10    show embodiments of protective headgear wearable on a user&#39;s head and comprising a helmet to protect the user&#39;s head against impacts and a contaminant blocker, such as a clear shield or a mask, configured to protect the user against contaminants; 
         FIGS.  11  and  12    show perspective and elevational views of the user&#39;s head; 
         FIG.  13    shows internal dimensions of a cavity of the helmet; 
         FIG.  14    shows a front view of the helmet comprising a faceguard; 
         FIGS.  15  to  17    show elevational views of an outer shell of the helmet with shell members in different positions; 
         FIGS.  18  and  19    show pads of a liner of the helmet; 
         FIGS.  20  and  21    show another embodiment of a body of the mask; 
         FIG.  22    shows another embodiment of the mask comprising one or more breathing valves; 
         FIG.  23    shows another embodiment in which the mask is a mouth mask and the protective headgear comprises a nose mask separate from the mouth mask; 
         FIG.  24    shows a schematic of a visual field of the protective headgear, including of the faceguard; 
         FIG.  25    show an embodiment of the contaminant blocker comprising a disabling substance; 
         FIGS.  26  and  27    show an embodiment of the contaminant blocker comprising a peelable covering; 
         FIGS.  28  to  31    show other embodiments of the protective headgear; 
         FIGS.  32  and  33    show embodiments in which the contaminant blocker, which may comprise the clear shield or the mask, may be used without any helmet; 
         FIG.  34    shows another embodiment of the faceguard; 
         FIG.  35    shows another embodiment of the faceguard; 
         FIG.  36    shows an embodiment of the mask comprising a detachable fastening system; 
         FIG.  37    shows an embodiment of the mask comprising a nose-engaging member; 
         FIG.  38    shows an embodiment of the mask comprising lateral cheek members; 
         FIG.  39    shows an embodiment of the mask comprising left and right lateral portions that are more breathable than a central portion; 
         FIG.  40    shows an embodiment of the mask comprising a hydration opening; 
         FIG.  41    shows an embodiment of the mask comprising 3D printed material; 
         FIGS.  42 A,  42 B,  42 C,  42 D and  42 E  show embodiments of the faceguard pivotably connected to the helmet; 
         FIG.  43    shows an embodiment of the mask fastened by fasteners on lateral sides of the faceguard; 
         FIG.  44    shows another embodiment of the faceguard and the clear shield; 
         FIG.  45    is a top view of the clear shield of  FIG.  44   ; 
         FIG.  46    is a flat pattern of the clear shield of  FIG.  44   ; 
         FIGS.  47 A to  47 D  show an embodiment in which the clear shield is interlocked with the faceguard; 
         FIG.  47 E  is a perspective view of the clear shield of  FIGS.  47 A to  47 D ; 
         FIG.  47 F  is a front view of the clear shield of  FIGS.  47 A to  47 D ; 
         FIG.  47 G  is a side view of the clear shield of  FIGS.  47 A to  47 D ; 
         FIG.  4 H  is a rear view of the clear shield of  FIGS.  47 A to  47 D ; 
         FIG.  47 I  shows an embodiment of a fastener fastening the clear shield of  FIGS.  47 A to  47 H  to the faceguard; 
         FIG.  48    shows another embodiment of the mask comprising a variant of the hydration opening; 
         FIG.  49    is a side view of the mask of  FIG.  48   ; 
         FIGS.  50  and  51    show examples of the mask of  FIG.  48    mounted adjacent to the faceguard; 
         FIG.  52    shows an inner layer of the mask of  FIG.  49   ; 
         FIG.  53    shows an outer layer of the mask of  FIG.  49   ; 
         FIG.  54    is an exploded perspective view of the mask of  FIG.  48   ; 
         FIG.  55    shows an embodiment of the mask comprising a strap system for fastening the mask to the outer shell of the helmet; 
         FIG.  56    shows the mask of  FIG.  55    fastened to the helmet; 
         FIG.  57    shows the inner layer of the mask of  FIG.  55   ; 
         FIG.  58    shows the outer layer of the mask of  FIG.  55   ; 
         FIG.  59    is an exploded perspective view of the mask of  FIG.  55   ; 
         FIG.  60    shows part of the strap system of the mask of  FIG.  55   ; 
         FIG.  61    shows another embodiment of the mask comprising a strap system for retaining the mask on the user&#39;s head; 
         FIG.  62    is a side view of the mask of  FIG.  61   ; 
         FIG.  63    shows the inner layer of the mask of  FIG.  61   ; 
         FIG.  64    shows the outer layer of the mask of  FIG.  61   ; and 
         FIG.  65    is an exploded perspective view of the mask of  FIG.  61   . 
     
    
    
     It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be and should not be limiting. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS.  1  to  10    show embodiments of protective headgear  10  wearable on a head  100  of a user and configured to provide impact protection and contaminant protection. In this embodiment, the protective headgear  10  comprises a helmet  12  configured to protect the user&#39;s head  100  against impacts and a contaminant blocker  14  configured to protect against contaminants (e.g., infectants), such as pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms) or other biohazards, chemical hazards, or other hazardous substances, transmittable to or from the user. 
     In this embodiment, the helmet  12  is an athletic helmet for protecting the head  100  of the user who is engaging in a sport or other athletic activity against impacts. More particularly, in this embodiment, the helmet  12  is a hockey helmet for protecting the head  100  of the user, who is a hockey player, against impacts (e.g., from a puck or ball, a hockey stick, a board, ice or another playing surface, etc., with another player, etc.). 
     The contaminant blocker  14 , which may sometimes be referred to as a hazardous-substance blocker or a respirator, is configured to block contaminants (i.e., hinder passage of contaminants by interposing an obstruction) from reaching a face of the user, entering a respiratory system of the user, and infecting or otherwise contaminating the user and/or from being shed or otherwise transmitted outwardly by the user. In this embodiment, the contaminant blocker  14  is configured to block pathogens or other biohazards, which may be part of spatter, an aerosol, or other droplets containing a virus, bacteria, or other microorganism, transmittable to or from the user while playing hockey. In that sense, in this embodiment, the contaminant blocker  14  may be referred to as a biohazard blocker. 
     As further discussed later, in this embodiment, the helmet  12  and the biohazard blocker  14  are configured to connect or otherwise interact with one another to be usable together. This may facilitate their use to enhance protection of the user and/or an environment of the user (e.g., including players or other individuals encountered or nearby during play) while maintaining performance of the user, including by providing breathability, being spatter proof, ensuring proper vision, being antifogging, being customizable, and/or having other desirable attributes. 
     The helmet  12  comprises an outer shell  11  and a liner  15  to protect the user&#39;s head  100 . In this embodiment, the helmet  12  also comprises a faceguard  30  to protect at least part of the user&#39;s face, including eyes of the user, and a chin member  26  to engage a chin of the user for comfort and/or securing the helmet  12  to the user&#39;s head  100 . 
     A cavity  13  of the helmet  12  is configured to receive the user&#39;s head  100 . In response to an impact, the helmet  12  absorbs energy from the impact to protect the user&#39;s head  100 . The helmet  12  protects various regions of the user&#39;s head  100 . As shown in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the user&#39;s head  100  comprises a front region FR, a top region TR, left and right side regions LS, RS, a back region BR, and an occipital region OR. The front region FR includes a forehead and a front top part of the user&#39;s head  100  and generally corresponds to a frontal bone region of the user&#39;s head  100 . The left and right side regions LS, RS are approximately located above the user&#39;s ears. The back region BR is opposite the front region FR and includes a rear upper part of the user&#39;s head  100 . The occipital region OR substantially corresponds to a region around and under the head&#39;s occipital protuberance. 
     The helmet  12  comprises an external surface  18  and an internal surface  20  that contacts the user&#39;s head  100  when the helmet  12  is worn. As shown in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , the helmet  12  has a front-back axis FBA, a left-right axis LRA, and a vertical axis VA which are respectively generally parallel to a dorsoventral axis, a dextrosinistral axis, and a cephalocaudal axis of the player when the helmet  12  is worn and which respectively define a front-back direction, a lateral direction, and a vertical direction of the helmet  12 . Since they are generally oriented longitudinally and transversally of the helmet  12 , the front-back axis FBA and the left-right axis LRA can also be referred to as a longitudinal axis and a transversal axis, respectively, while the front-back direction and the lateral direction can also be referred to a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction, respectfully. 
     The outer shell  11  provides strength and rigidity to the helmet  12 . To that end, the outer shell  11  typically comprises rigid material  27 . For example, in various embodiments, the rigid material  27  of the outer shell  11  may be a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene (PE), polyamide (nylon), or polycarbonate, a thermosetting resin, or any other suitable material. The outer shell  11  includes an inner surface  17  facing the inner liner  15  and an outer surface  19  opposite the inner surface  17 . The outer surface  19  of the outer shell  11  constitutes at least part of the external surface  18  of the helmet  12 . 
     In this embodiment, the outer shell  11  comprises shell members  22 ,  24  that are connected to one another. In this example, the shell member  22  comprises a top portion  21  for facing at least part of the top region TR of the user&#39;s head  100 , a front portion  23  for facing at least part of the front region FR of the user&#39;s head  100 , and left and right lateral side portions  25 L,  25 R extending rearwardly from the front portion  23  for facing at least part of the left and right side regions LS, RS of the user&#39;s head  100 , respectively. The shell member  24  comprises a top portion  29  for facing at least part of the top region TR of the user&#39;s head  100 , a back portion  31  for facing at least part of the back region BR of the user&#39;s head  100 , an occipital portion  33  for facing at least part of the occipital region OR of the user&#39;s head  100 , and left and right lateral side portions  35 L,  35 R extending forwardly from the back portion  31  for facing at least part of the left and right side regions LS, RS of the user&#39;s head  100 , respectively. 
     In this embodiment, the helmet  12  is adjustable to adjust how it fits on the user&#39;s head  100 . To that end, the helmet  12  comprises an adjustment mechanism  40  for adjusting a fit of the helmet  12  on the user&#39;s head  100 . The adjustment mechanism  40  may allow the fit of the helmet  12  to be adjusted by adjusting one or more internal dimensions of the cavity  13  of the helmet  12 , such as a front-back internal dimension FBD of the cavity  13  in the front-back direction of the helmet  12  and/or a left-right internal dimension LRD of the cavity  13  in the left-right direction of the helmet  12 , as shown in  FIG.  13   . 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism  40  is configured such that the outer shell  11  and the inner liner  15  are adjustable to adjust the fit of the helmet  12  on the user&#39;s head  100 . To that end, in this embodiment, the shell members  22 ,  24  are movable relative to one another to adjust the fit of the helmet  12  on the user&#39;s head  100 . In this example, relative movement of the shell members  22 ,  24  for adjustment purposes is in the front-back direction of the helmet  12  such that the front-back internal dimension FBD of the cavity  13  of the helmet  12  is adjusted. This is shown in  FIGS.  15 ,  16  and  17    in which the shell member  24  is moved relative to the shell member  22  from a first position, which is shown in  FIG.  15    and which corresponds to a minimum size of the helmet  12 , to a second position, which is shown in  FIG.  16    and which corresponds to an intermediate size of the helmet  12 , and to a third position, which is shown in  FIG.  17    and which corresponds to a maximum size of the helmet  12 . 
     In this example of implementation, the adjustment mechanism  40  comprises an actuator  41  that can be moved (in this case pivoted) by the player between a locked position, in which the actuator  41  engages a locking part  45  of the shell member  22  and thereby locks the shell members  22 ,  24  relative to one another, and a release position, in which the actuator  41  is disengaged from the locking part  45  of the shell member  22  and thereby permits the shell members  22 ,  24  to move relative to one another so as to adjust the size of the helmet  12 . The adjustment mechanism  40  may be implemented in any other suitably way in other embodiments. 
     The liner  15  is disposed within the outer shell  11 , i.e., between the outer shell  11  and the user&#39;s head  100  when the helmet  10  is worn. More particularly, the liner  15  comprises shock-absorbing material. For instance, in some cases, the shock-absorbing material may include a polymeric foam (e.g., expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam, expanded polymeric microspheres (e.g., Expancel™ microspheres commercialized by Akzo Nobel), or any other suitable polymeric foam material) and/or a polymeric structure comprising one or more polymeric materials. Any other material with suitable impact energy absorption may be used in other embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the inner liner  15  may comprise an array of shock absorbers that are configured to deform when the helmet  12  is impacted. For instance, in some cases, the array of shock absorbers may include an array of compressible cells that can compress when the helmet  12  is impacted. Examples of this are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,538 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010/0258988, which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     The liner  15  may be connected to the outer shell  11  in any suitable way. For example, in some embodiments, the inner liner  15  may be fastened to the outer shell  11  by one or more fasteners such as mechanical fasteners (e.g., tacks, staples, rivets, screws, stitches, etc.), an adhesive, or any other suitable fastener. 
     In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  19   , the liner  15  comprises a plurality of pads  36 ,  37  disposed between the outer shell  11  and the user&#39;s head  100  when the helmet  12  is worn. In this example, respective ones of the pads  36 ,  37  are movable relative to one another and with the shell members  22 ,  24  to allow adjustment of the fit of the helmet  12  using the adjustment mechanism  40 . 
     In this example, the pads  36  are responsible for absorbing at least a bulk of the impact energy transmitted to the inner liner  15  when the helmet  12  is impacted and can therefore be referred to as “absorption” pads. In this embodiment, respective one of the pads  36  are facing at least part of the front region FR and left side region LS of the user&#39;s head  100 , at least part of the front region FR and right side region RS of the user&#39;s head  100 , at least part of the back region BR and left side region LS of the user&#39;s head  100 , at least part of the back region BR and right side region RS of the user&#39;s head  100 . The shell member  22  overlays some of the pads  36  while the shell member  24  overlays other ones of the pads  36 . 
     In this embodiment, the pads  37  are responsible to provide comfort to the user&#39;s head  100  and can therefore be referred to as “comfort” pads. The comfort pads  37  may comprise any suitable soft material providing comfort to the player. For example, in some embodiments, the comfort pads  37  may comprise polymeric foam such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, polyurethane foam (e.g., PORON XRD foam commercialized by Rogers Corporation), vinyl nitrile foam or any other suitable polymeric foam material and/or a polymeric structure comprising one or more polymeric materials. In some embodiments, given ones of the comfort pads  37  may be secured (e.g., adhered, fastened, etc.) to respective ones of the absorption pads  36 . In other embodiments, given ones of the comfort pads  37  may be mounted such that they are movable relative to the absorption pads  36 . 
     The faceguard  30  is for protecting at least part of the user&#39;s face, including his/her eyes. That is, the faceguard  30  may protect an entirety of the user&#39;s face, in which case it may be referred to as providing “full-face” protection, or may protect less than the entirety (e.g., half or some other fraction) of the user&#39;s face, in which case it may be referred to as providing “half-face” or “partial-face” protection. 
     In some embodiments, the faceguard  30  comprises a grid  39 , sometimes referred to as a “cage”, which includes a plurality of wires  28  intersecting one another. The wires  28  may be metallic (e.g., made of steel, titanium and/or other suitable metal). Respective ones of the wires  28  may be connected to one another by welding, by integrally forming (e.g., casting, additively-manufacturing, etc.) them together, and/or by any other means. 
     In other embodiments, the faceguard  30  comprises a visor  42  that is transparent to allow the user to see through the visor  42  and is configured to withstand impacts during play. Thus, the visor  42 , which may sometimes be referred to as a transparent facial protector, constitutes a clear shield comprising clear material  70  to protect at least part of the user&#39;s face against impacts. Although the visor  42  is transparent, at least part of the visor  42  may be tinted in some embodiments. In some cases, the visor  42  may be configured to provide protection from radiation (e.g., ultraviolet (UV) radiation). The visor  42  may have any suitable size. In some examples, the visor  42  is dimensioned to cover an eye region and a mouth region of the user&#39;s face (e.g., in which case it may sometimes be referred to as a transparent full-face protector). In other examples, the visor  42  is dimensioned to cover the eye region of the user&#39;s face to protect his/her eyes and to not cover the mouth region of the user&#39;s face (e.g., in which case it may sometimes be referred to as a transparent half- or partial-face protector). 
     The clear material  70  of the visor  42  may comprise any suitable polymeric material having suitable impact-resistance. More particularly, in this example of implementation, the clear material  70  of the visor  42  comprises polycarbonate. The clear material  70  may comprise any other suitable material in other examples of implementation (e.g., clear nylon, urethane-based material, polymethyl methacrylate, etc.). 
     The chin member  26  is configured to engage the user&#39;s chin to provide comfort and/or secure the helmet  12  to the user&#39;s head  100 . In this embodiment, the chin member  26  comprises a chinstrap  46  extending from a left lateral side of the helmet  12  to a right lateral side of the helmet  12  and a chin cup  48  configured for cupping the user&#39;s chin (e.g., and including padding for comfort or additional protection). In some examples, the chin cup  48  may be mounted to the chin strap  46 , the faceguard  30  and/or another component of the helmet  12 . In some cases, the chin cup  48  may include a chin-cup strap  49  to mount the chin cup  48  to the faceguard  30 . 
     In this embodiment, the biohazard blocker  14  is configured to be connected to the helmet  12 . Thus, the biohazard blocker  14  comprises a connector  47  for connecting the biohazard blocker  14  to the helmet  12 . For instance, in some embodiments, the connector  47  of the biohazard blocker  14  may be configured to connect the biohazard blocker  14  to the faceguard  30 , the chin member  26 , the outer shell  11 , and/or another component of the helmet  12 . In some examples, the connector  47  of the biohazard blocker  14  may comprise one or more openings for receiving a strap (e.g., the chin-cup strap  49  or the chin strap  46 ) or other fastener (e.g., a clip) and/or part of the faceguard  30 , the chin member  26 , the outer shell  11 , and/or another component of the helmet  12 , and/or may comprise a fastener (e.g., a clip, button, etc.). Also, in some examples, the biohazard blocker  14  is strapless in that it is free of any strap (e.g., earloop or other strap), i.e., does not have any strap, engaging the user&#39;s head, as the biohazard blocker  14  is configured to be retained on the user&#39;s head solely by interacting with the helmet  12  (e.g., the chin-cup strap  49 , the chin strap  46 , the chin cup  48 , and/or the faceguard  30 ). 
     The biohazard blocker  14  may be implemented in various ways in various embodiments. 
     For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the biohazard blocker  14  may comprise a clear shield  52  configured to be positioned in front of, spaced from, and cover at least part the user&#39;s face and comprising clear material  54  that the user can see through. In this embodiment, the clear shield  52  is configured to conform to the grid  39 . 
     In this example, the clear shield  52  is configured to fit within the grid  39  and comprises an outer surface  55  that is configured to conform to an inner side  56  of the grid  39 . Also, in this example, the clear shield  52  is configured to connect to the chin member  26  and the grid  39 . The connector  47  comprises openings  50  to receive the chin-cup strap  49  to secure the clear shield  52  to respective ones of the wires  28  of the grid  39  and retain the clear shield  52  between the grid  39  and the chin cup  48 . 
     The clear shield  52  comprises a thin clear member  58  shaped to protect the user&#39;s face and including the clear material  54  allowing the user to see therethrough. In this embodiment, the thin clear member  58  is configured to extend in front of a central region and left and right lateral sides of the user&#39;s face, from a top of the user&#39;s face to a bottom of the user&#39;s face. In this example, the thin clear member  58  is curved between a left lateral side  59  of the clear shield  52  and a right lateral side  61  of the clear shield  52 . Also, in this example, the thin clear member  58  is shaped to bend (e.g. curve and/or angularly deflect) towards the user&#39;s face towards a top of the thin clear member  58  and towards a bottom of the thin clear member  58 . Thus, in this example, the thin clear member  58  is concave in a widthwise direction of the clear shield  52  and in a heightwise direction of the clear shield  52 . In some cases, the left and right lateral sides  59 ,  61  of the clear shield  52  are configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s left and right ears. In this embodiment, the thin clear member  58  is molded (e.g., vacuum formed or otherwise thermoformed) in a mold. 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the clear shield  52  is configured to extend at least to the user&#39;s chin. In this example, the clear shield  52  is configured to extend below the user&#39;s chin. Also, in this embodiment, the clear shield  52  is configured to extend above the user&#39;s eyes. A top edge  60  of the clear shield  52  is configured to extend proximate to a top edge  62  of the grid  39 . A bottom edge  64  of the clear shield  52  is configured to extend at least to, and in this example below the chin of the user. 
     The clear material  54  is transparent or otherwise allows the user to see clearly through it. For example, in this embodiment, the clear material  54  may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In other embodiments, the clear material  54  may comprise polycarbonate or any other suitable material. In some cases, the clear material  54  may be colorless. In other cases, the clear material  54  may be colored (e.g., tinted). 
     In this embodiment, the thin clear member  58  is antifogging. For example, in this embodiment, the thin clear member  58  comprises an antifogging layer  65 , which may be coated or applied as a film on or any other antifogging treatment to the clear material  54 . Any suitable antifogging agent (e.g., surfactant or other substances minimizing surface tension) may be used. In some examples of implementation, the clear material  54  of the thin clear member  58  may have antifogging properties. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the clear shield  52  comprises vents  68  for ventilation. In this embodiment, the vents  68  are disposed in a lower part of the clear shield  52  proximate the mouth region of the user, below a frontmost point of the clear shield  52 . 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, each vent  68  comprises a vent opening  72  in the thin clear member  58 . Also, in this embodiment, each vent  68  comprises a filter  74  in the vent opening  72 . In this example, the filter  74  comprises fabric  75  to filter pathogens and provide air permeability. More particularly, in this example, the fabric  75  includes nonwoven fabric material. The nonwoven fabric material of the fabric  75  may comprise polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyester, and/or other suitable polymers and be made using meltblown or other suitable technology. In other examples, the fabric  75  may include woven fabric material instead of or in addition to nonwoven fabric material. For instance, in some example, the fabric  75  may comprise a nonwoven fabric layer and a woven fabric layer. In this case, the fabric  75  may be washable so that the clear shield  52  is cleanable and reusable. 
     The filter  74  of each vent  68  may be affixed to the thin clear member  58  in any suitable way. For example, in some embodiments, the filter  74  may be adhesively bonded to the thin clear member  58 , ultrasonically welded to the thin clear member  58 , or otherwise affixed without sewing to the thin clear member  58 . As another example, in some embodiments, the filter  74  may be retained by thermoforming or other molding (e.g., overmolding) of the clear material  54  about the filter  74 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the clear shield  52  is configured to conform to the visor  42 . In this example, the clear shield  52  is configured to fit within the visor  42  such that its outer surface  55  is configured to conform to an inner side  66  of the visor  42 . Also, in this example, the clear shield  52  is configured to connect to the chin member  26  and the visor  42 . The connector  47  comprises openings  51  to receive the chin-cup strap  49  to secure the clear shield  52  to the visor  42  and retain the clear shield  52  between the visor  42  and the chin cup  48 . 
     In this embodiment, the visor  42  comprises a lens  77  and a grid  71  disposed below the lens  77  and comprising vent openings  73 , and made of the clear material  70 , while the clear shield  52  is configured to overlie the grid  71 , including the vent openings  73 , of the visor  42 . The grid  71  of the visor  42  includes a plurality of elongate members  34  (e.g., bars, wires, etc.) intersecting one another and defining the vent openings  73  therebetween. In this example, the grid  71  of the visor  42  is made of the clear material  70 , like the lens  77 . In other examples, as shown in  FIG.  35   , the elongate members  34  of the grid  71  of the visor  42  may be metallic (e.g., made of steel, titanium and/or other suitable metal), and connected to one another by welding, by integrally forming (e.g., casting, additively-manufacturing, etc.) them together, and/or by any other means. 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the thin clear member  58  is configured to extend in front of the central region and the left and right lateral sides of the user&#39;s face, from an intermediate region of the user&#39;s face to the bottom of the user&#39;s face. The thin clear member  58  is configured to terminate without overlying at least a majority (i.e., a majority or an entirety) of the lens  77 . In this example, the thin clear member  58  is curved between the left lateral side  59  of the clear shield  52  and the right lateral side  61  of the clear shield  52 . In this embodiment, the thin clear member  58  is molded (e.g., vacuum formed or otherwise thermoformed). 
     In this example, the clear shield  52  is thinner than the lens  77  of the visor  42 . Also, in this example, the clear material  54  of the clear shield  52  may be different (e.g., less rigid) than the clear material  70  of the visor  42 . 
     In this embodiment, the clear shield  52  comprises the vents  68  for ventilation. The vents  68  of the clear shield  52  are disposed to overlap with or otherwise be adjacent to the vent openings  73  of the visor  42 . In this embodiment, each vent  68  comprises the vent opening  72  in the thin clear member  58  and the filter  74  in the vent opening  72 . In this case, the filter  74  comprises the fabric  75  to filter pathogens and provide air permeability. Also, in this embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  45   , the vents  68  are configured to direct airflow laterally (i.e., towards the left and right sides  59 ,  61  of the clear shield  52 ) through the clear shield  52 . This may help to impede travel of contaminants to or from the user. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the biohazard blocker  14  may comprise a mask  80  configured to engage and cover at least part the user&#39;s face. 
     In this example, the mask  80  is configured to fit within the visor  42  such that an outer surface  81  of the mask  80  faces the inner side  66  of the visor  42 . Also, in this example, the mask  80  is configured to connect to the chin member  26  and the visor  42 . The connector  47  comprises a central opening  57  to receive a connecting member  63  of the chin cup  48  that projects therein and lateral openings  53  to receive the chin-cup strap  49  to secure the mask  80  to the chin cup  48  and the visor  42  and retain the mask  80  between the visor  42  and the chin cup  48 . 
     In this embodiment, the mask  80  comprises a body  83  shaped to protect the user&#39;s face and form a cavity  84  configured to overlie the mouth region of the user. More particularly, in this embodiment, the mask  80  is configured to extend in front of the central region and the left and right lateral sides of the user&#39;s face, from below the user&#39;s nose to the bottom of the user&#39;s face. Thus, in this embodiment, the mask  80  is configured to leave the user&#39;s nose uncovered by the mask  80 . The mask  80  is configured to terminate without overlying at least a majority of the lens  77 . In this example, the mask  80  is configured to extend at least to the user&#39;s chin. In this case, the mask  80  is configured to extend below the user&#39;s chin. Also, in this example, the mask  80  is curved between a left lateral side  85  of the mask  80  and a right lateral side  87  of the mask  80 . The cavity  84  is configured to receive the chin cup  48 . 
     In this example of implementation, the cavity  84  of the mask  80  provides a chamber that may facilitate breathing of the user. In some cases, the mask  80  may be semirigid to be flexible yet self-standing to maintain the cavity  84 , even when the chin cup  48  is not received in the cavity  84 . This may help to avoid the mask  80  being sucked or otherwise drawn close to or into the user&#39;s mouth while breathing. 
     In this embodiment, the body  83  of the mask  80  comprises fabric  82 . The fabric  82  may include any suitable fabric material providing air permeability while protecting against contaminants. For example, in some embodiments, the fabric  82  may include woven fabric material. The woven fabric material of the fabric  82  may comprise polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyester, and/or other suitable polymers. In some cases, the fabric  82  may include different fabric materials. For instance, in some cases, the fabric  82  may include a woven fabric layer and a nonwoven fabric layer. In this embodiment, the fabric  82  is washable so that the mask  80  is cleanable and reusable. In other embodiments, the mask  80  may be disposable. 
     In some embodiments, the mask  80  may comprise one or more face-engaging members configured to engage the user&#39;s face and including one or more materials different from the fabric  82 . This may enhance comfort and/or engagement of the mask  80  on the user&#39;s face, and/or help retain a shape and/or a position of the mask  80  on the user&#39;s head. 
     For instance, in some examples of implementation, the mask  80  may comprise a peripheral member  88  disposed at a periphery of the mask  80 , affixed to the body  83  of the mask  80  (e.g., by an adhesive, stitching, etc.), including peripheral material  89  different from the fabric  82 , and configured to engage the user&#39;s face. For example, in some embodiments, the material  89  of the peripheral member  88  may include foam, an elastomer, or any other cushioning material. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the peripheral member  88  may include a compliant insert (e.g., soft metallic or polymeric insert) to help maintain the shape of the mask  80  to that it conforms to the user&#39;s face. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the mask  80  is configured to fit within the grid  39  such that the outer surface  81  of the mask  80  faces the inner side  56  of the grid  39 . Also, in this example, the mask  80  is configured to connect to the chin member  26  and the grid  39 . In this case, the central opening  57  of the connector  47  is configured to receive the connecting member  63  of the chin cup  48  that projects therein and the lateral openings  53  are configured to receive the chin-cup strap  49  to secure the mask  80  to the chin cup  48  and the grid  39  and retain the mask  80  between the grid  39  and the chin cup  48 . 
     In this embodiment, the mask  80 , including the cavity  84  formed by its body  83 , is configured to overlie the mouth and the nose of the user. More particularly, in this embodiment, the mask  80  is configured to extend in front of the central region and the left and right lateral sides of the user&#39;s face, from above a tip of the user&#39;s nose to the bottom of the user&#39;s face. Thus, in this embodiment, the mask  80  is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s nose. In this case, the mask  80  is configured to cover at least a majority of the user&#39;s nose. More specifically, in this case, the mask  80  is configured to cover substantially an entirety of the user&#39;s nose. In this example, the mask  80  is configured to extend at least to the user&#39;s chin. In this case, the mask  80  is configured to extend below the user&#39;s chin. 
     In this example of implementation, the cavity  84  of the mask  80  provides the chamber that may facilitate breathing of the user. In some cases, the mask  80  may be semirigid to be flexible yet self-standing to maintain the cavity  84 , even when the chin cup  48  is not received in the cavity  84 . Also, in this embodiment, the mask  80  is configured to project forwardly and downwardly away from the user&#39;s nose and then extend rearwardly towards the user&#39;s chin. This may help to avoid the mask  80  being sucked or otherwise drawn close to or into the user&#39;s nose and mouth while breathing. 
     In this embodiment, the mask  80  tapers upwardly such that a nose-covering portion  92  of the mask  80  is narrower than a mouth-covering portion  96  of the mask  80  in a widthwise direction of the mask  80 . More particularly, in this embodiment, an upper edge  67  of the mask  80  includes an apex  69  configured to overlie an upper part of the user&#39;s nose between his/her eyes and left and right segments  76  that diverge downwardly from the apex  69 . This may help the user to see by avoiding to be too close to the user&#39;s eyes to be visually obstructive. 
     For example, in some embodiments, each of the left and right segments  76  of the upper edge  67  of the mask  80  may define an angle relative to the widthwise direction of the mask  80  that may be at least 50°, in some cases at least 55°, in some cases at least 60°, and in some cases even greater. 
     In some embodiments, the mask  80  may comprise the one or more face-engaging members configured to engage the user&#39;s face and including one or more materials different from the fabric  82 , such as to enhance comfort and/or engagement of the mask  80  on the user&#39;s face, and/or help retain the shape and/or the position of the mask  80  on the user&#39;s head. 
     For instance, in some embodiments, the mask  80  may comprise the peripheral member  88  disposed at the periphery of the mask  80 . 
     Also, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  37   , the mask  80  may comprise a nose-engaging member  43  configured to engage the user&#39;s nose and support the mask  80  on the user&#39;s nose and including material  116  different from the fabric  82  of the mask  80 . For example, in this embodiment, the nose-engaging member  43  is configured to clamp onto the user&#39;s nose to help in retaining the mask  80  properly positioned on the user&#39;s face. More particularly, in this embodiment, the nose-engaging member  43  is configured to be disposed astride the user&#39;s nose, i.e., extend on left and right sides of the user&#39;s nose (e.g., by being curved and/or angled). In this case, the nose-engaging member  43  comprises a pair of legs  44  to be disposed on respective ones of the left and right sides of the user&#39;s nose. In some examples of implementation, the material  116  of the nose-engaging member  43  may be stiffer than the fabric  82  of the mask  80 . For instance, in some cases, the material  116  of the nose-engaging member  43  may be polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) molded into a shape of the nose-engaging member  43 . 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  38   , the mask  80  may comprise lateral cheek members  118  configured to overlie left and right cheeks of the user and including material  119  different from the fabric  82  of the mask  80 . For instance, this may help to retain the mask  80  in position, including to keep the left and right segments  76  of the upper edge  67  of the mask  80  properly positioned. In some examples of implementation, the material  119  of each of the lateral cheek members  118  may be stiffer than the fabric  82  of the mask  80 . For instance, in some cases, the material  119  of each of the lateral cheek members  118  may be polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) molded into a shape of that lateral cheek member. 
     In some embodiments, where the grid  39  is used with the mask  80 , eyewear  90  may be worn by the user within the grid  39  to protect the user&#39;s eyes. In this embodiment, a nose bridge  91  of the eyewear  90  may be shaped complementarily to the nose-covering portion  92  of the mask  80  which is received in the nose bridge  91 . In some examples, the eyewear  90  may be antifogging, similarly to that described previously with respect to the thin clear member  58  of the clear shield  52 . 
     In some embodiments, the mask  80  may be removable from the helmet  10  while the chin member  26  (e.g., including the chin cup  48 ) and/or the faceguard  30  remain connected to a remainder of the helmet  10 . For instance, in some embodiments, the mask  80  may be removable from the helmet  10  without removing the chin member  26  (e.g., including the chin cup  48 ) and/or the faceguard  30  from helmet  10 . This may facilitate cleaning and/or replacement of the mask  80  (e.g., without compromising impact protection attributes of the helmet  10 ). 
     For example, in some embodiments, and with additional reference to  FIG.  36   , the connector  47  of the mask  80  may comprise a detachable fastening system  230  to detachably fasten the mask  80  to the chin member  26 . More particularly, in this embodiment, the detachable fastening system  230  comprises detachable fasteners  234  to detachably fasten the mask  80  to the chin cup  48  and the chin-cup strap  49 , which secures the chin cup  48  to the faceguard  30 . In this example, each of the detachable fasteners  234  comprises a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., including Velcro material) including a hook portion  236  and a loop portion  238  on adjacent parts (e.g., flaps) of the mask  80  that can be moved onto one another to define a respective one of the lateral openings  53  and secure the mask  80  about the chin-cup strap  49  that passes though that respective one of the lateral openings  53 . The detachable fasteners  234  may be implemented in any other way in other embodiments (e.g., comprise a clip, a snap button, etc.). 
     Breathability of the biohazard blocker  14 , including the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 , allows the user to properly breathe and perform while protecting against contaminants. 
     For example, in some embodiments, the mask  80  may have: a differential pressure of less than 6 mm H 2 O/cm 2  and in some cases less than 5 mm H 2 O/cm 2  according to ASTM F2100-19 (Standard Specification for Performance of Materials Used in Medical Face Masks); a bacterial filtration efficiency of at least 95% and in some cases at least 98% according to ASTM F2100-19; and/or a sub-micron particulate filtration efficiency at 0.1 micro of at least 95% and in some cases at least 98% according to ASTM F2100-19. For instance, in some embodiments, the mask  80  may be a level 1 barrier, in some cases a level 2 barrier, and in some cases a level 3 barrier according ASTM F2100-19. In this embodiment, the mask  80  may be a level 2 barrier according ASTM F2100-19 to be more breathable. 
     As another example, in some embodiments, the mask  80  may have a differential pressure of less than 5 mm H 2 O/cm 2  and in some cases less than 4 mm H 2 O/cm 2  according to MIL-M-36954 C (Mask, Surgical, Disposable—superseded). 
     As another example, in some embodiments, the air permeability of the fabric  82  of the mask  80  may be at least 100 cm 3 /s/cm 2 , in some cases at least 200 cm 3 /s/cm 2 , in some cases at least 400 cm 3 /s/cm 2 , and in some cases even more according to ASTM D737-18 (Standard Test Method for Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa., 2018). 
     The protective headgear  10 , including the helmet  12  and the biohazard blocker  14 , which may include the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 , is configured to allow for proper vision (e.g., to provide an optimal visual field) of the user. For example, in some embodiments as shown in  FIG.  24   , the protective headgear  10 , including the helmet  12  and the biohazard blocker  14 , which may include the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 , may be configured to provide a field of view  102  without occultation measuring at least 90 degrees temporally rightward from a vertical median, at least 90 degrees temporally leftward from the vertical median, at least 35 degrees superiorly from a horizontal median, and at least 60 degrees inferiorly from the horizontal median. For instance, in some embodiments such as these where it is for hockey, the protective headgear  10 , including the helmet  12  and the biohazard blocker  14 , which may include the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 , may comply with CSA Z262.2-15 (Face protectors for use in ice hockey) clause 5.4.2 e). 
     In some embodiments, for droplet protection (e.g., from spatter or other droplets), the protective headgear  10 , including the helmet  12  and the biohazard blocker  14 , which may include the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 , may be configured to prevent droplets from contacting a zone of the user&#39;s face corresponding to a no-contact zone of CSA Z262.2-15 ( FIG.  3   ) according to ANSI Z87.1-2015 (Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices) clause 8.1.1, test method 9.17.1. 
     In some embodiments, the protective headgear  10 , including the helmet  12  and the biohazard blocker  14 , which may include the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 , may provide coverage according to ANSI Z87.1-2015, clause 8.1.2, test method 9.17.2. 
     In some embodiments such as these where it is for hockey, the protective headgear  10 , including the helmet  12  and the biohazard blocker  14 , which may include the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 , may provide impact protection so that it complies with CSA Z262.2-15, clause 5.6, test method 7.7. 
     In various embodiments, as it may be connected to the helmet  10 , the biohazard blocker  14  may be used without the user having to touch his/her head (e.g., face, ears, hair, etc.), which may further help to protect against spreading of contaminants. 
     The protective headgear  10  may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. 
     For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  34   , the mask  80  may be configured to cooperate with the faceguard  30  that provides partial-face protection, i.e., protects less than the entirety (e.g., half or some other fraction) of the user&#39;s face, such as the visor  42  or the grid  39  that does not extend to the user&#39;s chin (e.g., a half clear shield or half cage). In this embodiment, the mask  80 , including the cavity  84  formed by its body  83 , is configured to overlie the mouth and the nose of the user. More particularly, in this embodiment, the mask  80  is configured to extend in front of the central region and the left and right lateral sides of the user&#39;s face, from above the tip of the user&#39;s nose to the bottom of the user&#39;s face. In this example, the mask  80  is configured to extend at least to the user&#39;s chin. In this case, the mask  80  is configured to extend below the user&#39;s chin. 
     In this embodiment, the mask  80  overlaps with the faceguard  30  even though the faceguard  30  extends over less than the entirety of the user&#39;s face. In some examples, the mask  80  may also provide impact protection to a part, such as the nose region and mouth region, of the user&#39;s face that is unprotected by the faceguard  30 . Thus, in some examples, the mask  80  may comprise rigid material  190  (e.g., polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, or any other polymeric material, which may be fiber-reinforced polymeric material) to protect against impacts. Also, in some examples, the mask  80  may comprise cushioning material  192  (e.g., foam) disposed inwardly of the rigid material  190  for impact energy absorption and comfort. 
     In some embodiments, the mask  80  may be connected to the outer shell  11  of the helmet  10 . For instance, in some embodiments, the mask  80  may be secured to each of the shell members  22 ,  24  (e.g., via snap buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other fasteners which may be adhesively bonded or otherwise affixed to the outer shell  11 ) and/or to another component of the helmet  10  (e.g., the chin member  26 , earloops, etc.). 
     Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the mask  80  may be secured to the faceguard  30 . For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  43   , the mask  80  may be fastened by fasteners  317  (e.g., adhesive, screws, rivets, snap buttons, clips, etc.) on the lateral sides  59 ,  61  of the faceguard  30 . This may help to reduce visual obstruction. 
     In other embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  47 A to  47 I , the connector  47  of the clear shield  52  comprises an interlocking part  232  configured to interlock with an interlocking part  233  of the visor  42  to interlock the clear shield  52  and the visor  42 . That is, the clear shield  52  and the visor  42  are in a mechanical interlock relationship in which at least one of the interlocking part  232  of the clear shield  52  and the interlocking part  233  of the visor  42  includes an interlocking space (e.g., comprising one or more holes, recesses, and/or other voids) into which extends an adjacent one of the interlocking part  232  of the clear shield  52  and the interlocking part  233  of the visor  42 . 
     For example, in this embodiment, the interlocking part  232  of the clear shield  52  includes a plurality of interlocking projections  86  extending into voids  79  of the interlocking part  233  of the visor  42  to mate and secure the clear shield  52  to the visor  42 . For instance, in this case, the voids  79  of the interlocking part  233  of the visor  42  are implemented by the vent openings  73  of the visor  42 . In this example, the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  are thus shaped to conform to the vent openings  73  of the visor  42 . More specifically, in this example, the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  are generally polygonal (e.g., rectangular or triangular) conforming to the vent openings  73  of the visor  42  that are generally polygonal. 
     In this embodiment, the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  extend into and close at least part of each of the vent openings  73  of the visor  42 . More particularly, in this embodiment, upper ones of the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  extend into and close completely (i.e., an entirety of each of) upper ones of the vent openings  73  of the visor  42 , while lower ones of the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  extend into and close less than completely (e.g., less than an entirety of each) of lower ones of the vent openings  73  of the visor  42  such that part of each of the lower ones of the vent openings  73  of the visor  42  remains open. Specifically, in this embodiment, the lower ones of the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  include vent openings  179  that are smaller than and configured to overlap with the lower ones of the vent openings  73  of the visor  42 . The vent openings  179  of the lower ones of the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  are configured to be located below the user&#39;s mouth and face downwardly. This may help to block passage of droplets. In this example, the vent openings  179  of the lower ones of the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  are hollow, without any filter such as the filter  74  therein. 
     In some embodiments, the vent openings  179  of the lower ones of the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  are configured to prevent droplets from contacting the user&#39;s eyes according to ANSI Z87.1-2015 (Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices) clause 8.1.1, test method 9.17.1. For instance, in some embodiments, the vent openings  179  of the lower ones of the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  are configured to prevent droplets from contacting a zone of the user&#39;s face corresponding to a no-contact zone of CSA Z262.2-15 ( FIG.  3   ) according to ANSI Z87.1-2015 (Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices) clause 8.1.1, test method 9.17.1. 
     In this embodiment, the clear material  54  of the clear shield  52  comprises polyurethane. This may facilitate molding of the clear shield  52  in a mold. In other embodiments, the clear shield  52  may comprise PET, polycarbonate, or any other suitable material. 
     In this example of implementation, in addition to interlocking with the visor  42 , the connector  47  of the clear shield  52  comprises fasteners  287  to fasten the clear shield  52  to the visor  42 . More particularly, in this example, the fasteners  287  are hook-and-loop fasteners. For example, in this embodiment, the fastener  287  comprises a hook-and-loop fastener  312  that can be looped about parts of the clear shield  52  and parts of the visor  42  through respective ones of the vent openings  179  of the lower ones of the interlocking projections  86  of the clear shield  52  and fastening openings  339  of the clear shield  52 . The fasteners  287  may be implemented in any other way in other examples (e.g., straps with snap fasteners, clips, etc.). 
     In various embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  42 A,  42 B,  42 C,  42 D and  42 E , the biohazard blocker  14 , which may include the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 , may be movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the outer shell  11  while remaining connected to the helmet  12 . For example, this may be useful for the user to drink or otherwise move the biohazard blocker  14  away from his/her face when potential for contaminant exposure is reduced. 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the faceguard  30  and the chin cup  48  are pivotable relative to the outer shell  11  so that the biohazard blocker  14 , which is connected to the faceguard  30  and the chin cup  48 , is also pivotable relative to the outer shell  11 . In this example, the faceguard  30  is pivotally mounted to the outer shell  11  via a pivot  312 . In this case, the pivot  312  comprises pivot elements  314  that pivotally mount the faceguard to the front portion  23  of the shell member  22 . The pivot  312  may be implemented in any other suitable way in other embodiments (e.g., comprise pivot elements on the left and right lateral side portions  25 L,  25 R of the shell member  22 ). Faceguard straps  16  fastening the faceguard  30  to the outer shell  11  can be detached to allow pivoting of the faceguard  30 , the chin cup  48 , and the biohazard blocker  14  relative to the outer shell. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  20   , the body  83  of the mask  80 , including the fabric  82 , may comprise a plurality of layers that may include different materials and/or implement different functionalities. In this embodiment, the body  83  of the mask  80 , including the fabric  82 , may comprise an inner layer  97 , an intermediate layer  98 , and an outer layer  99 . 
     For example, in some embodiments, the inner layer  97  of the body  83  of the mask  80  is part of the fabric  82  and may be antimicrobial, such as antibacterial, antiviral, and/or antifungal (e.g., may include one or more antimicrobial agents). For instance, in some embodiments, the inner layer  97  may include fabric material comprising copper (e.g., yarns of copper or a copper alloy), which has antimicrobial properties. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the inner layer  97  of the body  83  of the mask  80  may be wicking to wick perspiration away from the user&#39;s skin. 
     As yet another addition or alternative, in some embodiments, the inner layer  97  of the body  83  of the mask  80  may provide a cooling effect perceivable by the user. For instance, in some embodiments, the inner layer  97  may include fabric material comprising active elements to generate the cooling effect. For example, in some embodiments, the inner layer  97  may be configured to cool down when absorbing moisture as the user breathes and sweats, i.e., a moisture-activated cooling fabric material. For instance, the active elements may be swellable elements configured to swell when absorbing moisture to create the cooling effect. As another example, in some embodiments, the inner layer  97  may be configured to cool down when absorbing heat from the user, i.e., a heat-activated cooling fabric material. For instance, the active elements may be phase-change material (PCM) elements (e.g., microencapsulated PCM elements) configured to change phase when absorbing heat to create the cooling effect. Examples of materials that can be used for the cooling effect include Nexar™ polymers which may be commercially obtained from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc., Houston, Tex., Thermocules™ PCM elements which may be commercially obtained from Outlast Technologies LLC, Boulder, Colo., materials commercially obtained from CoolCore, Portsmouth, N.H.; IceFil by Ventex, Luxicool, Cool Jade, Advansa&#39;s Thermo Cool, and HeiQ&#39;s Adaptive, etc. 
     For example, in some embodiments, the inner layer  97  of the body  83  of the mask  80  may include 50% cooling yarn and 50% antimicrobial yarn. 
     In some embodiments, a material of the intermediate layer  98  of the body  83  of the mask  80  may be filtering to filter ambient air and/or exhalation of the user. For example, in some embodiments, the intermediate layer  98  may include a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fabric or other filtering fabric ply of the fabric  82 . In some embodiments, the intermediate layer  98  may be configured to electrostatically filter contaminants (e.g., include electrostatically charged fibers). Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the intermediate layer  98  may be configured to actively filter contaminants, i.e., may comprise active particles. These active particles are “active” in that they have a property allowing them to induce a chemical and/or physical reaction in response to a stimulus at their surface which filters the contaminants. For instance, in some embodiments, the active particles have an adsorptive property that causes them to adsorb the contaminants. In some cases, the active particles may be porous particles each including a multitude of pores (e.g., several thousands of pores) which can trap the contaminants. In some examples, the active particles may be particles of activated carbon (e.g., derived from nutshells, coconut husk, coal-based substances, etc.). 
     In some embodiments, the outer layer  99  of the body  83  of the mask  80  may be configured to be a waterproof (e.g., splash-proof) breathable barrier (e.g., a membrane) to provide resistance to environmental elements such as wind, water, snow or sleet. In this example, the outer layer  99  may comprise a laminate material or a coated material (e.g. a hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) membrane). While the outer layer  99  may be configured to be windproof and/or waterproof, the fabric  82  may still be configured to allow vapor to escape, as shown in  FIG.  21   . This may contribute to desirable attributes of the mask  80  such as breathability, antifogging etc. The outer layer  99  may be configured to have additional features such as radiation-blocking properties (e.g., capable of blocking UV radiation). 
     In some embodiments, portions of the mask  80  that are configured to overlie different regions of the user&#39;s face may be structurally different. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  39   , left and right lateral portions  370  of the mask  80  may be more breathable (e.g., more air permeable) than a central portion  380  of the mask  80  disposed between the left and right lateral portions  370  of the mask  80  in the widthwise direction of the mask  80 , while the central portion  380  of the mask  80 , which is configured to overlie the user&#39;s mouth and nose, may be more effective at blocking contaminants than the left and right lateral portions  370  of the mask  80 . This may allow more air to circulate yet maintain greater contaminant blocking where the mask  80  is aligned with the user&#39;s mouth and nose. 
     In some embodiments, the mask  80  may be configured to interact with the chin member  26  of the helmet  10  in any other way. For instance, in some embodiments, the mask  80  may wrap completely around the chin cup  48  without any central opening such as the central opening  57  that receives any part such as the connecting member  63  of the chin cup  48 . In other embodiments, the chin member  26  may be configured to be disposed over the mask  80  such that the mask  80  lies between the user&#39;s face and the chin member  26 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  22   , the mask  80  may comprise one or more breathing valves  93 . This may facilitate the user&#39;s inhalation or exhalation and/or help to reduce buildup of heat and humidity within the cavity  84  of the mask  80  and/or potential for fogging (e.g., of the visor  42  or the eyewear  90 ). In some examples, the breathing valve  93  may be configured to increase air flow into the mask  80  breathable by user when the user skates or otherwise moves faster. The user may then have access to more oxygen when he/she exerts more physical effort. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  40   , the mask  80  may comprise a hydration opening  340  configured to allow the user to drink potable liquid (e.g., water, sports drink, etc.) through the mask  80 . This may be useful for the user to drink without removing or otherwise moving the mask  80 . In some cases, this may also facilitate placement and removal of a mouthguard by the user without removing or otherwise moving the mask  80 . 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  comprises a hydration port  350  configured to receive the potable liquid from an outlet of a bottle (e.g., a spout and/or a straw) and is in fluid communication with a suction element  360  within the cavity  84  of the mask  80  that the user can suck on to draw the potable liquid. In some cases, the hydration port  350  may comprise a hydration valve that is configured to open only when the user drinks (e.g., sucks on the suction element  360 ). 
     In other embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  48  to  54   , the mask  80  comprises portions  332  of the body  83  of the mask  80  that are movable relative to one another to open the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  and close the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80 . 
     For example, in this embodiment, respective ones of the portions  332  of the body  83  of the mask  80  include respective parts of the fabric  82  of the body  83  of the mask  80 , such as respective parts of one or more of the inner layer  97 , the intermediate layer  98 , and the outer layer  99 , which are movable relative to one another to open and close the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80 . 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the portions  332  of the body  83  of the mask  80  that are movable relative to one another to open and close the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  include a main section  356  and covering section  358  that is movable away from the main section  356  to open the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  and movable towards the main section  356  to close the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80 . In this example, the mask  80  comprises a slot  364  including left and right segments  366 ,  368  and a central segment  370  between the left and right segments  366 ,  368 , and the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  comprises part of the slot  364 . In this case, the left and right segments  366 ,  368  of the slot  364  implement the lateral openings  53  to receive the chin-cup strap  49  to secure the mask  80  to the chin cup  48  and the faceguard  30  and retain the mask  80  between the faceguard  30  and the chin cup  48 , while the central segment  370  of the slot  364  implement the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80 . 
     The hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  is opened by moving the covering section  358  away from the main section  356 . Conversely, the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  is closed by moving the covering section  358  towards from the main section  356 . In this example, the covering section  358  and the main section  356  overlap when the hydration opening  340  is closed, as this may further help block contaminants. Also, in this example, the mask  80  comprises a retainer  385  to retain the covering section  358  relative to the main section  356  so that the hydration opening  340  is closed. For example, in this embodiment, the retainer  385  comprises a hook-and-loop fastener  386  that includes a hook portion  388  on a given one of the covering section  358  and the main section  356  and a loop portion  390  on an opposite one of the covering section  358  and the main section  356 . 
     In other embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  55  to  60   , the portions  332  of the body  83  of the mask  80  that are movable relative to one another to open and close the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  include an upper central section  334 , a lower central section  336 , a left lateral section  338 , and a right lateral section  342  of the body  83  of the mask  80  that are movable away from one another to open the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  and movable towards one another to close the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80 . In this example, the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  is defined by space (e.g. a gap) between respective ones of the upper central section  334 , the lower central section  336 , the left lateral section  338 , and the right lateral section  342  of the body  83  of the mask  80  when they are moved away from one another. Also, in this example, these respective ones of the upper central section  334 , the lower central section  336 , the left lateral section  338 , and the right lateral section  342  of the body  83  of the mask  80  overlap when the hydration opening  340  is closed, as this may further help block contaminants. In this embodiment, the hydration opening  340  of the mask  80  is defined by the space between the upper central section  334  and the lower central section  336  of the body  83  of the mask  80  when they are moved away from one another. Also, the upper central section  334  and the lower central section  336  of the body  83  of the mask  80  overlap when the hydration opening  340  is closed. 
     In this embodiment, the mask  80  comprises a strap system  410  configured to fasten the mask  80  to fastening elements  540  disposed on (e.g., affixed to) left and right side portions of the outer shell  11  of the helmet  10 . In this embodiment, the fastening elements  540  may be provided to fasten the faceguard  30  to the outer shell  11 , but may instead be used to fasten the mask  80  to the outer shell  11 . The strap system  410  comprises fastening elements  550  complementary to the fastening elements  540  disposed on the outer shell  11 . For instance, in this example, the fastening elements  540  disposed on the outer shell  11  and the fastening elements  550  of the strap system  410  may constitute snap fasteners. In other examples, the fastening elements  540  disposed on the outer shell  11  and the fastening elements  550  of the strap system  410  may implement any other type of fastener. 
     More particularly, in this embodiment, the strap system  410  of the mask  80  comprises a plurality of left lateral straps  430  that converge away from the body  83  of the mask  80  and are affixed (e.g., stitched) to a rear left strap  434  that is configured to extend to the fastening element  540  disposed on the left lateral side of the outer shell  11  and includes the fastening element  550  to cooperate therewith. Similarly, the strap system  410  of the mask  80  comprises a plurality of right lateral straps  450  that converge away from the body  83  of the mask  80  and are affixed (e.g., stitched) to a rear right strap  454  that is configured to extend to the fastening element  540  disposed on the right lateral side of the outer shell  11  and includes the fastening element  550  to cooperate therewith. In this example, each of the left rear strap  434  and the right rear strap  454  may be adjustable to adjust a fit of the mask  80  on the user&#39;s head. For instance, in this example, each of the left rear strap  434  and the right rear strap  454  comprises a sliding buckle  461  for adjustability. 
     The strap system  410  of the mask  80  may be implemented in any other suitable way in other embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the mask  80  may be used without being connected to the helmet  12 . For instance, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  61  to  65   , the mask  80  may comprises a strap system  520  for securing the mask  80  to the user&#39;s head without connection to the helmet  10 . In this example, the strap system  520  comprises earloops  525  configured to extend around the user&#39;s ears. In other examples, the strap system  520  may comprise a strap configured to extend behind the user&#39;s head or any other attachment. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  55  to  65   , the mask  80  may comprise a chin gusset  38 . The chin gusset  38  may improve fit of the mask  80  and comfort and protection of the user. For example, the chin gusset  38  may be configured to expand the coverage of the mask  80  as the user opens their mouth (e.g., to drink a potable liquid, to speak, to exhale etc.) such that the mask  80  may remain aligned with the user&#39;s mouth and nose. The chin gusset  38  may also enhance the cavity  84  such that the cavity  84  may better accommodate the chin member  26 , for instance, in embodiments where the mask  80  is configured to be disposed over the chin member  26 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  41   , the mask  80  may be customized for the user&#39;s face. This may improve fit of the mask  80  and comfort, protection, and vision of the user. 
     For example, in some embodiments, the user&#39;s face is scanned using an image acquisition device  162  and a computing device  164  to obtain 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face. The image acquisition device  162  is configured to capture images of the wearer&#39;s face and operatively connected to or integral with the computing device  164 . For instance, in some embodiments, the image acquisition device  162  may be implemented as a camera and the computing device  164  may be implemented as a tablet, smartphone, phablet or laptop. In other embodiments, the image acquisition device  162  may be embodied as a specialized external scanning hardware attachment (e.g., scanning gun). This step may be carried out at a retail outlet such as a store, at the user&#39;s home or training facility, or at any other suitable location. 
     The 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face may be used to manufacture the mask  80 . For instance, in some embodiments, the 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face may be used to generate 3D model data representative of the mask  80 . This may define a design of the mask  80 , notably to define the shape of the mask  80 , including to ensure proper vision of the user. 
     In some examples, the 3D model data representative of the mask  80  may be used to 3D print at least part of the body  83  of the mask  80  by 3D printing (a.k.a., additively manufacturing) using a 3D printer  450 . Material  460  to make the body  83  of the mask  80  initially provided as feedstock (e.g., powder, liquid, filaments, fibers, and/or other suitable feedstock), which can be referred to as 3D-printed material, is added by the 3D printer  450  that is computer-controlled to create the body  83  of the mask  80  in its three-dimensional form (e.g., layer by layer, or by continuous liquid interface production from a pool of liquid, or by applying continuous fibers, or in any other way, normally moldlessly, i.e., without any mold). In some embodiments, the 3D-printed material  460  of the mask  80  may be polyurethane or any other suitable polymeric material (e.g., which may be comfortable for the user). 
     Any 3D-printing technology may be used to make the mask  80 . For instance, in some embodiments, one or more of the following additive manufacturing technologies may be used individually or in combination: material extrusion technologies, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM); vat photopolymerization technologies, such as stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), continuous digital light processing (CDLP) or continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) with digital light synthesis (DLS); powder bed fusion technologies, such as multi-jet fusion (MJF), selective laser sintering (SLS), direct metal laser sintering/selective laser melting (DMLS/SLM), or electron beam melting (EBM); material jetting technologies, such as material jetting (MJ), nanoparticle jetting (NPJ) or drop on demand (DOD); binder jetting (BJ) technologies; sheet lamination technologies, such as laminated object manufacturing (LOM); material extrusion technologies, such as continuous-fiber 3D printing or fused deposition modeling (FDM), and/or any other suitable 3D-printing technology. Examples of suitable 3D-printing technologies may include those available from Carbon (www.carbon3d.com), EOS (https://www.eos.info/en), HP, (https://www8.hp.com/ca/en/printers/3d-printers.html), Arevo (https://arevo.com), and Continuous Composites (https://www.continuouscomposites.com/). 
     In some embodiments, the shape of the mask  80  defined by the 3D model data representative of the mask  80  generated based on the 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face may incorporate desirable features. For example, in some embodiments, the shape of the mask  80  defined by the 3D model data representative of the mask  80  generated based on the 3D model data representative of the user&#39;s face may be such that the mask  80  includes the one or more breathing valves  93  that are 3D printed as part of the mask  80 . 
     In other embodiments, the 3D model data representative of the mask  80  may be used to manufacture a mold in which the mask  80  is molded (e.g., injection molded). For instance, in some embodiments, the 3D model data representative of the mask  80  may be used to 3D print the mold by 3D printing. The mold may be made using any other suitable manufacturing technique in other embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  23   , the mask  80  may be a mouth mask and the protective headgear  10  may comprise a nose mask  180  separate from the mouth mask  80 . More particularly, in this embodiment, the mouth mask  80  is configured to extend in front of the central region and the left and right lateral sides of the user&#39;s face, from below the user&#39;s nose to the bottom of the user&#39;s face. Thus, in this embodiment, the mask  80  is configured to leave the user&#39;s nose uncovered by the mask  80 , while the nose mask  180  is configured to cover at least part of the user&#39;s nose. The nose mask  180  comprises a strap system  182  (e.g., a strap configured to extend behind the user&#39;s head, earloops, etc.) configured to retain the nose mask  180  on the user&#39;s head. 
     In some embodiments, the eyewear  90  may be part of the mask  80  so that the eyewear  90  is affixed to the body  83  of the mask  80 . For example 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  25   , the biohazard blocker  14  may comprise a disabling substance  94  configured to disable (e.g., kill, suppress or otherwise inhibit propagation of) a biological or chemical agent to which the biohazard blocker  14  is potentially exposable. For instance, in some embodiments, where the biohazard blocker  14  is potentially exposable to spatter that may contain a virus or bacteria, the disabling substance  94  may include an antiviral or antibiotic element and/or a disinfectant that kills, suppresses or otherwise inhibits propagation of the virus or bacteria. In some embodiments, the disabling substance  94  may be part of a coating (e.g., sprayed or otherwise applied) on an underlying surface of the biohazard blocker  14 . In other embodiments, the disabling substance  94  may be part of a fabric lining or otherwise attached to (e.g., a periphery) of a portion of the biohazard blocker  14 . In some cases, the disabling substance  94  may be implemented by a main material of the biohazard blocker  14 , such as the clear material  54  of the clear shield  52  (e.g., self-sterilizing plastic or an antibacterial polymer). In some cases, the disabling substance  94  may be provided during manufacturing of the biohazard blocker  14  and may be time-released or activated upon encountering the virus or bacteria. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  26  and  27   , the biohazard blocker  14  may comprise a peelable covering  95  (e.g., film) that is configured to be adhesively bonded to and peeled off from the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 . When on the clear shield  52 , the peelable covering  95  may be clear. In some cases, the peelable covering  95  may include a single peelable layer. In other cases, the peelable covering  95  may include a plurality of peelable layers that can be sequentially peeled off. 
     In other examples of implementation, as shown in  FIG.  28   , the helmet  12  may be a goalie mask for the user who is a hockey goalie (i.e., goalkeeper). In some embodiments where the biohazard blocker  14  comprises the clear shield  52  mounted to the goalie mask, the clear shield  52  may be mounted on an outer side of the grid  39  of the goalie mask such that the grid  39  is disposed between the clear shield  52  and the goalie&#39;s face. In other embodiments where the biohazard blocker  14  comprises the clear shield  52  mounted to the goalie mask, the clear shield  52  may be mounted on an inner side of the grid  39  of the goalie mask such that the clear shield  52  is disposed between the grid  39  and the goalie&#39;s face. 
     Although in embodiments considered above the helmet  12  is a hockey helmet, in other embodiments, the helmet  12  may be any other helmet usable by a user playing another type of contact sport (e.g., a “full-contact” sport) in which there are significant impact forces due to player-to-player and/or player-to-object contact or engaging in any other type of sports, including athletic activities other than contact sports. 
     For example, in other embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  29   , the helmet  12  may be a lacrosse helmet for the user who is a lacrosse player. The chin member  26  of the lacrosse helmet  12  comprises a chin piece  78  extending from the left lateral side portion  25 L to the right lateral side portion  25 R of the helmet  12  and configured to extend in front of the user&#39;s chin. In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  30   , the helmet  12  may be a football helmet for the user who is a football player. In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  31   , the helmet  12  may be a baseball helmet for the user who is a baseball player. 
     In some of these embodiments shown in  FIGS.  28  to  31   , the biohazard blocker  14  may interact with the faceguard  30  and/or the chin member  26  of the helmet  12  to be retained on the user&#39;s head. Alternatively, in some cases, a chin member  226  similar to the chin member  26  (e.g., comprising a chin cup  248  and a chin-cup strap  249 ) may be provided for the helmet  12  to connect with the biohazard blocker  14 , and/or the biohazard blocker  14  may comprise a strap system  210  (e.g., a strap configured to extend behind the user&#39;s head, earloops, etc.) or other attachment for securing the biohazard blocker  14  to the user&#39;s head  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the biohazard blocker  14 , which may comprise the clear shield  52  or the mask  80 , may be used without any helmet such as the helmet  12 . For instance, in some embodiments, the biohazard blocker  14  may be a standalone article of protective headgear. For example as shown in  FIGS.  32  and  33   , in some cases, the clear shield  52  including the vents  68  with their fabric  75  to filter pathogens and provide air permeability may be part of a face shield comprising a strap system  310  (e.g., a strap configured to extend behind the user&#39;s head, earloops, etc.) or other attachment for securing the face shield to the user&#39;s head  100 . 
     While in embodiments considered above the protective headgear  10  is for sports and other athletic activities, the protective headgear  10  may be used for other purposes in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the protective headgear  10  may be worn by the user who may be an individual who is: a motorcyclist; engaging in military activities; involved in law enforcement or other public safety services (e.g., a police officer); in a healthcare establishment and/or providing, receiving or otherwise involved with healthcare (e.g., a medical doctor, a nurse, a paramedic, a dentist, a pharmacist, a patient, a visitor, etc.); in a nursing home; in a laboratory; in a plant or factory (e.g., making food, electronics, etc.); and/or otherwise desiring or required to protect himself/herself and/or others from biological, chemical or other hazards or undesirables. 
     Certain additional elements that may be needed for operation of some embodiments have not been described or illustrated as they are assumed to be within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, certain embodiments may be free of, may lack and/or may function without any element that is not specifically disclosed herein. 
     Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation. 
     In case of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or other difference between terms used herein and terms used in any document incorporated by reference herein, meanings of the terms used herein are to prevail and be used. 
     Any test or standard (e.g., ASTM) referred to herein refers to that test or standard in force at filing of this patent application, unless otherwise noted. 
     Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this was for purposes of describing, but should not be limiting. Various modifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill and are within a scope of this disclosure.