US Patent 6978477 Equestrian helmet with faceguard

A helmet, such as for equestrian sports, includes an impact resistant outer helmet shell formed to cover a portion of a wearer's head, the shell having an upper dome and also having a lower rim extending around the dome. The shell has lateral side portions with outer surfaces that are relatively smooth, and further has integrally formed attachment structure (receptors) with downward openings such that they are not visible from the sides of the helmet. A faceguard has arms with integrally formed latches that engage the receptors with an audible click. The latches can be pinched to release the faceguard with a smooth easy motion.