Abstract:
Protective headguard to be worn by an athlete having (i) a protective central pad, (ii) a rear pad, (iii) an adjustable strap system interconnecting the rear pad and the central pad, and (iv) one or more of (a) a lack of any protective padding which would cover the side of the athlete&#39;s head when the headguard is worn, (b) a channel defined by the central pad extending substantially horizontally above the athlete&#39;s brow ridges and below the athlete&#39;s frontal bone when the headguard is worn, (c) a slot in the rear pad extending substantially vertically from the athlete&#39;s occipital bone and accommodating passage of a ponytail when the headguard is worn, (d) a single unitary liner, (e) bands encircling the central pad and releasably securing a liner to the central pad, (f) a removable sleeve, (g) a spine pad extending from the front panel to the rear pad (h) perceptible lines of demarcation on the exterior surface of the central pad.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/145,114, filed Jul. 23, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to protective headguards for athletes and, more particularly, relates to a protective headguard for soccer players. The purpose of the headguard is to provide protection to a soccer player&#39;s head from injuries encountered during play of the game without unduly disrupting the traditional way in which the game is played. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Participants in many sports are increasingly using protective headgear of various kinds. Football players have long worn helmets to protect themselves from blows to the head and face. Sometime later hockey players also began to protect themselves with helmets. More recently recreational bicyclists have perceived the need to use protective headgear and have started to wear helmets in increasing numbers. 
     Traditionally, soccer players have not worn any protective headgear. This is probably the case for two main reasons. First, soccer players or organizers of the game may not have sensed a need to use headgear because injuries to the head may not have seemed as commonplace as in sports such as football, hockey, and bicycling. Second, soccer is one of the few sports where the head itself is intentionally and legitimately used to strike the ball. This requires considerable muscle coordination and use of the senses of sight and touch. An improperly constructed piece of headgear may hamper a player&#39;s ability to head the ball properly. 
     Recent medical research has demonstrated that head injuries may be more prevalent in soccer than previously thought. Several studies have suggested that soccer players may suffer minor trauma from repeatedly heading the ball. This injury has been analogized to pugilistic dementia, the harm that boxers suffer from repeated strikes to the head in boxing. Alf Thorvald, Head and Neck Injuries in Soccer—Impact of Minor Trauma,  Sports Medicine,  14(3):200-213 (1992). This danger of trauma in soccer may be greater for children. Their skills at heading are less well honed. Their bodies may not be developed enough to withstand or counteract the blow caused by a ball. Id. at 210. Therefore, at least from a safety standpoint, use of headgear by soccer players seems advisable. 
     The unique demands of the sport of soccer require unique headgear. Although multipurpose protective headgear for sports are being developed, most forms of headgear for use in team sports are intended for one sport and should not be used in other activities. Thomas B. Cole, Can Sports Minded Kids Have Too Many Helmets?,  Journal of the American Medical Association,  275(18): 1391 (May 8, 1996). A brief review of patents for headgear constructed for other sports shows how such headgear would not meet the specialized needs of soccer players. For example, football and hockey helmets are ill-suited for soccer. Their bulk would likely discourage soccer players unaccustomed to helmets from wearing them. In addition this bulk and the hard, sometimes uneven surfaces of such helmets would make it very difficult to control the direction and distance of a headed ball. Finally, other unprotected soccer players might suffer injuries caused by the hard-surfaced headgear of the wearer. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,690 (hockey helmet). 
     Other helmets would also not work effectively as soccer headgear. Bicycle helmets are light but would make control of the ball difficult; they are built to withstand one substantial blow; and their ventilation systems would likely not be effective in soccer. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,631. Wrestling headgear protects the ears and only incidentally, if at all, protects the surfaces of the head. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,420. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,852 illustrates protective headgear specifically designed for use in soccer. This headgear, however, has several shortcomings. The headband shape of the headgear protects only the forehead, neglecting other parts of the head which may be used, properly, and improperly, to strike balls. The headband shape moreover creates a ridge at the edge of the headband which may misdirect a headed ball. In addition, the materials and retention system of this headgear likely would cause the headgear to slip up or down on the wearer&#39;s head or, if tightened, may strain the wearer&#39;s head. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, the present invention relates to improvements to a headguard for athletes and in particular soccer players. The basic design of one embodiment of the invention is a headguard which includes a partial headcover consisting primarily of two pieces covering predominantly the rear and front portions of the head and connected together on either side of the head by elastic or other stretchable connectors. 
     The headguard is preferably constructed from two pads of molded, shockabsorbing foam. The basic design may consist of two panels, either connected solely by straps on the side of the head, or also connected by a “spine” which could be made of the same material as the panels and connected to the panels during the molding process. The panels may be manufactured as flat foam pieces. The panels can be bent and formed into three-dimensional, cupped shaped pieces that are held in a shape that best conforms to the head by, for example, channels molded into the foam, sewn seams, and tension created by stretchable adjustment straps. 
     Modifications to the basic design include the addition of or changes in (1) the spine, the portion of the headguard covering the top of the head; (2) padded inserts that may be placed on the interior of the headguard and the means by which those padded inserts are attached to the headguard; (3) the back panel of the headguard to better accommodate players with ponytails; (4) the channels on the exterior surface of the frontpiece; (5) the front or back panel to allow for the application of symbols such as logos or lettering; and (6) fabric sleeves covering the foam pads of the headguard. 
    
    
     The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an exemplary headguard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of an exemplary headguard in accordance with an embodiment with the spine. 
     FIG. 3 is a view of the exterior surface of a front panel of an exemplary headguard before assembly. 
     FIG. 4 is a back view of an exemplary headguard with hook and loop attachment in the back. 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary adjustment strap. 
     FIG. 6 is a back view of an exemplary headguard with a lockable slide. 
     FIG. 7 is a view of the exterior surface of an embodiment of a lockable slide. 
     FIG. 8 is a view of the exterior surface of an embodiment of a rear panel with extended lower ribs. 
     FIG. 9 is a view of the exterior surface of an embodiment of a rear panel with matching openings on the top and bottom. 
     FIG. 10 is a view of the interior surface of an embodiment of the front panel with a padded insert before assembly. 
     FIG. 11 is an interior view of an embodiment of the rear panel with a padded insert. 
     FIG. 12 is a profile view of an embodiment of the rear panel from the top with a padded insert. 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a padded insert with an embodiment of an attachment band. 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional cut-away view of a section of a padded insert with an embodiment of an attachment band. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a section of a padded insert with an embodiment of an attachment band. 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective cut-away view of a section of a padded insert with an embodiment of an attachment band. 
     FIG. 17 is an exterior view of an embodiment of the front panel with attachment bands. 
     FIG. 18 is an exterior view of an embodiment of the rear panel with attachment bands. 
     FIG. 19 is an exterior view of an embodiment of the front panel with a sleeve covering the strike pad. 
     FIG. 20 is an exterior view of an embodiment of the front panel with a mesh sleeve covering the panel. 
     FIG. 21 is an exterior view of an embodiment of the front panel with a piece covering the strike pad removed. 
     FIG. 22 is an internal view of an embodiment of the sleeve without the front panel inserted into it. 
     FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional cut-away side view of the panel with the fabric sleeve covering the interior and exterior of the panel. 
     FIG. 24 is an external view of an unassembled exemplary headguard in accordance with an embodiment with a spine. 
     FIG. 25 is a rear view of an exemplary headguard with the spine. 
     FIG. 26 is an interior view of an unassembled exemplary headguard in accordance with an embodiment with a spine. 
     FIG. 27 is a perspective side view of an exemplary headguard in accordance with an embodiment with attachment bands. 
     FIG. 28 is a perspective side view of an exemplary headguard with a padded insert that extends to an area around the temple. 
     FIG. 29 is an interior view of an unassembled exemplary headguard with a padded insert covering the temple. 
     FIG. 30 is a side view of an embodiment of the headguard worn by an athlete with a ponytail running through a slot below the occipital bone. 
     FIG. 31 is a side view of an embodiment of the headguard worn by an athlete with a ponytail running through a slot above the occipital bone. 
     FIG. 32 is a side view of an embodiment of the headguard worn by an athlete without the side ribs. 
     FIG. 33 is a front view of an embodiment of the headguard worn by an athlete with lines demarcating header target location. 
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described, although all embodiments described are intended to fall within the claims of this invention or those made in the Previous Patent Applications. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     INCLUDING A BEST MODE 
     Nomenclature 
       1  Front Panel 
       2  Rear Pad/Panel 
       3  Adjustment Straps 
       3   a  Upper Adjustment Strap System 
       3   b  Lower Adjustment Strap System 
       4  Spine 
       5  Brow Channel 
       6  Flattened Space 
       7  Hook and Loop Strips 
       8  Slide 
       9  Circular Opening in Slide 
       10  Oblong Openings in Slide 
       11  Lower Ribs on the Rear Panel 
       12  Opening defined by Lower Ribs on the Rear Panel 
       13  Upper Ribs on the Rear Panel 
       14  Opening defined by Top Ribs on the Rear Panel 
       15  Padded Insert 
       15   a  Depressed Channels in Padded Insert 
       16  Opening or Depression in Padded Insert 
       17  Padded Insert 
       18  Channel defined by Padded Insert 
       19  Attachment Bands 
       20  Loop Fabric 
       21  Hook Strip 
       23  Channels in Exterior Surface of Front Panel 
       25  Fabric Sleeves 
       27  Removable Piece of Fabric Sleeve 
       28  Hook and Loop Fasteners 
       30  Vents defined by Spine 
       31  Hook and Loop Attachment Means 
       33  Areas on Spine to secure Hook and Loop Attachment Means 
       34  Padded Insert 
       35  Channel defined by Padded Insert 
       36  Extension of Padded Insert 
       40  Interior Surface of Headguard 
       41  Exterior Surface of Headguard 
       50  Central Pad 
       60  Header Target Location 
       61  Channels defining Header Target Location 
       100  Player 
       101  Head of Player 
       102  Top Portion of Player&#39;s Head 
       103  Forehead of Player 
       104  Sides of Player&#39;s Head 
       105  Crown of Player&#39;s Head 
       106  Temples of Player 
       107  Back of Player&#39;s Head 
       108  Brow of Player&#39;s Head 
       109  Neck of Player 
       110  Ponytail 
       200  Headguard 
       310  Right Lower Rib of Front Panel 
       312  Left Lower Rib of Front Panel 
       314  Right Upper Rib of Front Panel 
       316  Left Upper Rib of Front Panel 
       318  Front/Central Pad of Front Panel 
       320  Zero Areas on Front Panel 
       326  Seam Vent 
       328  Vent Pairs 
       332  Outside Flexing Area 
       334  Inside Flexing Area 
       336  Central Flexing Area 
       340  Attachment Points 
       342  Lower Right Slot 
       344  Lower Left Slot 
       346  Upper Right Slot 
       348  Upper Left Slot 
       350  Corresponding Slots 
     Construction and Use 
     The present invention is believed to be applicable to a number of different sports and is particularly suited to soccer where a player  100  intentionally strikes the ball (not shown) with the head  101 . While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion of the exemplary embodiments in connection with the examples provided below. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary headguard  200  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The headguard  200  generally may consist of a front panel  1 , a rear panel  2 , and two or more adjustment straps  3  made of elastic or other stretchable material. Another embodiment of the headguard  200  includes a spine  4  as illustrated in FIG.  2 . The spine  4  covers the top portion  102  of the head  101  and connects the front  1  and rear  2  panels. The panels  1  and  2  are made of a shock-absorbing material such as foam which dissipates the force to the wearer&#39;s head  101  when struck by an object such as a ball (not shown). The foam of the headguard  200  is intended to protect the regions of the wearer&#39;s head  101  which may strike objects (not shown) during the course of play. The foam may have fabric (unnumbered) laminated to it on the interior  40  and/or exterior surfaces  41 . In this embodiment, the panels  1  and  2  cover predominantly the forehead  103 , the sides  104  from just below the crown  105  and down to the upper part of the temples  106 , and the back  107  of the wearer&#39;s head  101  around the occipital bone (not shown). If the spine  4  is added as illustrated in FIG. 2, part or substantially all of the crown  105  of the head  101  may be covered. The addition of the spine  4  may be particularly suited for goalies and other players  100  who may need additional protection to the top of the head  102 . 
     The padding (not shown) in the panels  1  and  2  should be sufficiently flexible so as to conform to unique head shapes and sizes. The position of the padding (not shown) may be suitably selected in consideration of the particular environment in which the headguard  200  is worn. For example, if the headguard  200  is used by a non-goalie, the padding (not shown) may be positioned to provide a relatively uniform exterior surface  41  over portions of a player&#39;s head  101  which generally come in contact with a soccer ball (not shown), thus allowing greater control of the ball (not shown). If a goalie uses the headguard  200 , providing a uniform exterior surface  41  may not be as important since goalies rarely head the ball (not shown). 
     The thickness of the padding (not shown) may be suitably selected in consideration of the portion of the head  101  which the padding (not shown) is to cover as well as in consideration of the particular environment in which the headguard  200  is worn. For example, the thickness of the padding (not shown) may vary among the top, front, side, and back portions of the padding (not shown). Pad thickness around, for example, ⅜ to ⅝ inches, would be suitable for many applications. Suitable padding material includes solid and /or laminated foam, foam formed from plastic, for example, and foam laminated with fabric on the interior or exterior surfaces of the padding. If padding inserts  15  are added to the interior  40  of the headguard  200 , the overall padding thickness can be increased from ⅜ to 1½ inches. 
     The Front and Rear Panels Without the Spine 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front panel  1  can be made from a flat piece of foam molded or cut into the proper shape which also can have fabric laminated to either or both sides. The front panel  1  has two lower ribs  310 ,  312  and two upper ribs  314 ,  316  emanating from respective sides of a center front pad  318  which typically covers at least part of a wearer&#39;s forehead  103 . 
     On a portion of the exterior surface  41  of each lower rib  310  and  312  is a thinner area or zero area  320 . For the zero areas thickness  320  a thickness for the padding of approximate ⅛ inch would be suitable. The interior surface  40  of each upper rib  314  and  316  may have a receiving depression (not shown) which corresponds to the size and shape of the zero areas  320  on the lower ribs  310  and  312 . The depth of the receiving depressions (not shown) are preferably about equal to the thickness of the zero areas  320  on the lower ribs  310  and  312 . 
     In assembly, the upper and lower ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  are bent so that the zero areas  320  of the lower ribs  310  and  312  align with the receiving depressions (not shown) of the upper ribs  314  and  318 . The left lower and upper ribs  312  and  316  attach to each other, and the right lower and upper ribs  310  and  314  attach to each other. By bending the ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  in this fashion, the center front pad  318  is typically pushed outward, and the front panel  1  takes on a cupped shape that more closely conforms to the shape of the human head  101 . The thickness of the padding (not shown) at points where the zero areas  320  and the receiving depressions (not shown) overlap is preferably about equal to the thickness of the padding in the thicker portions of the front panel  1 . 
     In order to maintain the cupped shape of the front panel  1 , the upper and lower ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  on each side may be permanently attached to each other at the overlap of the zero areas  320  and receiving depressions (not shown) by stitching, or they may be attached by hook and loop fasteners (not shown). The hook and loop fasteners (not shown) may be located on the zero areas  320  and receiving depressions (not shown) for disposal between these structures. Use of hook and loop fasteners (not shown) permits easy disassembly of the front panel  1 . 
     When assembled, the front panel  1  typically defines three vents on either side of the center front pad  318 . A aperture or seam vent  326  is created on each side between the upper and lower ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  of each side when they are bent and attached. In addition, two vents  328  are molded or cut into each of the lower ribs  310  and  312 . 
     To aid in flexing the pads (not shown) to conform to the head  101 , the channels (unnumbered) may be molded into the exterior surface  41  at different locations to create flexing areas  332 ,  334  and  336 . One or more channels (unnumbered) may, for example, be disposed between each of the upper ribs  314  and  316  and the central pad  318  for increasing flexing between these ribs  314  and  316  and the central pad  318 . 
     The flexing areas  332 ,  334  and  336  function as hinges by increasing the ability of the foam to flex and curve in order to conform to the shape of the head  101 . 
     The padding (not shown) is thinner at the base of the channels (unnumbered) thus increasing the flexibility of the foam generally in the direction opposite the direction of the channels (unnumbered). 
     The channels (unnumbered) allow the padding (not shown) to bend along the channels (unnumbered). As noted above, a flexing area  332 ,  334  and  336  may consist of one or more channels (unnumbered). If there is more than one, the channels (unnumbered) run generally parallel to each other (although non-parallel channels from different flexing areas may intersect). While flexing areas  332 ,  334  and  336  with one to four channels (unnumbered) are disclosed, the invention extends to cover flexing areas  332 ,  334  and  336  with more channels (unnumbered). 
     The channels (unnumbered) of the flexing areas  332 ,  334  and  336  are molded into the exterior surface  41  of the front panel  1  at points where the front panel  1  desirably curves most severely in order to conform tot he shape of the head  101 . For example, the flexing areas  334  are located at the portion of the front panel  1  which would rest on the part of the head  101  that forms the transition from the forehead  103  to the side of the head  104 . The channels (unnumbered) of the flexing areas  332  and  334  typically run at angles to the bottom or top edges (unnumbered) of the assembled front panel  1  between 45 and 90 degrees, thereby increasing the ability of the front panel  1  to wrap around the head  101 . The channels (unnumbered) in flexing areas  332  and  334  may run approximately along the same line as and along side the vents  326  and  328  in the front panel  1  as shown. Another flexing area  336  may surround the frontal bone (not shown), which on some players  100  protrudes outward. 
     The front panel  1  includes four attachment points  340  which serve as locations where the adjustment straps  3  may be attached to the front panel  1 . The attachment points  340  are typically areas where slots  342 ,  344 ,  346  and  348  are molded into the foam as shown best in FIG.  3 . Alternatively, the attachment points  340  may be small depressed areas suitable for sewing attachment rings (not shown). 
     The slots  342 ,  344 ,  346  and  348  are openings molded or cut through the entire thickness of the padding through which the adjustment straps  3  pass. The slots  342 ,  344 ,  346  and  348  may be of varying sizes but must be of a size to permit an adjustment strap  3  to pass through. A slot length of ⅝ to ¾ inches, for example, may be suitable. 
     To form the assembled front panel  1 , the upper slots  346  and  348  may overlap with corresponding slots  350  located in the zero areas  320  of lower ribs  310  and  312  when the zero areas  320  and the receiving depressions (not shown) are bent together. When the upper and lower ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  are jointed together in assembly, slots  346  and  348  each along with a corresponding slot  350  to form one set of upper slots on each side of the front panel  1 . 
     A brow channel  5 , located above the brow of the head  108  and below the frontal bone (not shown), is provided in the front panel  1 . The brow channel  5  is a depression in the front panel  1  that may run parallel to the brow of the wearer  108  located on the front panel  1  in the area where the headguard  200  covers the head  101  between the brow  108  and the frontal bone (not shown). The brow channel  5  permits the front portion (unnumbered) of the headguard  200  to conform to the depression which often exists in a wearer&#39;s head  101  in the area between the brow  108  and the frontal bone (not shown). This conformity improves the retention of the headguard  200  to the head  101  of the wearer. 
     Space  6  can be provided for the application of symbols such as logos or lettering to the exterior surface  41  of the headguard  200 . Given the nature of the foam molding process, the headguard  200  permits the easy creation of such symbols. For example, a flattened area of space  6  on the upper ribs  314  and/or  316  of the front panel  1  can receive the imprint of a symbol or written material. In addition, symbols could be molded into the foam during the molding process. If the flattened space  6  on the upper rib  314  and/or  316  is located to the rear of the upper rib  314  and/or  316 , it could be located approximately at the zero area  320  of the lower rib  310  and  312 , when the corresponding upper and lower ribs  310 ,  314  and  312 ,  316  are brought together during assembly. The combined thickness of the zero area  320  and the flattened space  6  on the upper rib  314  and/or  316  need not be significantly lessen the overall thickness of the foam. 
     As shown in FIG. 4, hook and loop strips  7  can be sewn onto the adjustment straps  3  with the hook and loop fastening at the back of the back panel  2 . The configuration of the hook and loop strips  7  on the adjustment strap  3  is shown in FIG.  5 . This positioning of the hook and loop fasteners  7  increases the adjustibility of the headguard  200  and reduces the number of hook and loop strips  7  that have to be attached to the adjustment strap  3 . 
     A shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, attachment straps  3  can be constructed from a stretchable fabric with a lockable slide device  8  used to adjust the tension of the straps  3 . The ends of the straps  3  would be pulled through the circular opening  9  in the middle of the slide  8 . When the proper size is reached, the straps  3  would be slid sideways into the narrow oblong openings  10  on the lockable slide  8 . A small amount of tension on the straps  3  would wedge the fabric tightly into the narrow oblong openings  10 , thereby preventing slipping of the straps  3 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 8, the two lower ribs  11  of the rear panel  2  can be lengthened to increase the size of the opening  12  between the two lower ribs  11  and above the lower strap  3 , thereby making it easier to insert a ponytail  110 . Lengthening of the two lower ribs  11  also lowers the area covered by the back panel  2  to provide protection for the upper portion of the neck  109 . This creates greater coverage of padding (not shown) on the backside of the head  107 . Finally, because of the curvature of the back of the head  107  toward the neck  109 , it positions the lower strap  3  further forward of the occipital bone (not shown) thereby improving retention. 
     As shown in FIG. 9, back panel  2  can be configured with two openings  12  and  14  between the lower and upper ribs  11  and  13  of the rear panel  2  respectively. This permits a player  100  with a ponytail  110  to run the ponytail  110  either out the top  14  or the lower  12  opening of the rear panel  2 . 
     Padded inserts  15  may be attached to the interior  40  of the headguard  200 . As shown in FIG. 10, the padded inserts  15  may be one piece. Depressed channels  15   a  may be provided in the padded insert  15  to increase ventilation. An opening or depression  16  in the padded insert  15  covering the frontal bone (not shown) may be provided. The opening or depression  16  in the padded insert  15  could be located at the strike pad (the area of the headguard  200  covering the forehead  103  intended for heading the ball) and could accept the protrusion created by the frontal bone (not shown). By raising the areas surrounding the protrusion created by the frontal bone (not shown), the strike pad should be flattened, creating a larger, flatter area, making it easier to head the ball (not shown) off the forehead  103 . In addition more air space for cooling the head  101  is created. Finally, retention should be increased because the opening  16  creates a ridge (unnumbered) around the frontal bone (not shown). This ridge (unnumbered) makes it more difficult for the headguard  200  to come off the head  101 . 
     Similarly on the interior  40  of the back panel  2 , a one-piece padded insert  17  could be included. The padded insert  17 , shown in FIG. 11, includes a flattened area running vertically down the middle of the back panel  2 . This channel  18  provides greater room for a ponytail  110 . A profile view of the top side of the rear panel  2  is disclosed in FIG.  12 . 
     The padded inserts  15  and  17  could be, for example, made of open-cell foam covered with fabric. The fabric could be loop fabric. Alternatively the fabric could be a disposable sterile fabric. The disposable sterile fabric could be used for temporarily covering wounds to the head  101  when a player  100  is injured. 
     As shown in FIGS. 13 through 16, the padded inserts  15  and  17  may be attached to the headguard  200  by attachment bands  19 . Attachment bands  19  can be constructed as part of the padded insert  15  and  17 . The attachment bands  19  are used to attach the padded inserts  15  and  17  to the corresponding panel  1  and  2 . For example, if the padded insert  15  is laminated with loop fabric  20 , extra bands  19  can be cut into the fabric  20  and hook strips  21  can be sewn or otherwise attached to the ends (unnumbered) of the attachment bands  19  as illustrated in FIG.  13 . Once the attachment band  19  is looped over the front panel  1 , the hook strip  21  is attached to the same padded insert  15 . In another embodiment, the attachment bands  19  can be sewn onto the insert  15  as shown in FIG.  14 . Finally, attachment bands  19  can be loops of elastic material as shown in FIG.  15 . The attachment bands  19  can be looped over a portion of the panel  1  with the elastic tightening to hold the padded insert  15  in position against the panel  1 . The attachment bands  19  can fit within channels  23  in the exterior surface  41  of the panel  1  as shown in FIG. 16 to prevent the elastic and correspondingly the padded insert  15  from sliding out of position. 
     In FIG. 17, the exterior  41  of the front panel  1  is shown with the attachment bands  19  mounted at potential locations. The rear panel  2  is shown in FIG. 18 with the attachment bands  19  mounted at potential locations. 
     Fabric sleeves  25  can be provided into which a portion or all of the front and rear panels  1  and  2  can be inserted. The fabric sleeves  25  could encase the interior and exterior surfaces  40  and  41  of the front and rear panels  1  and  2  in fabric. The fabric sleeves  25  could serve several purposes. The interior (unnumbered) of the fabric sleeves  25  could have padding (not shown) attached to it. This foam could serve the same purposes and be located in the same places as the padded inserts  15  described above. In addition, symbols such as lettering, numbers, or logos could be attached to the exterior surface (unnumbered) of the sleeves  25 , allowing players  100  or teams (not shown) to choose from a variety of color or fabric types. Like the inserts  15 , the sleeves  25  could be removed from the panels  1  and  2  for cleaning. Finally, other materials such as foam or plastic could be fastened by sewing or adhesive to the exterior surface (unnumbered) of the fabric sleeves  25 . 
     The fabric sleeves  25  could take several forms. One embodiment, shown in FIG. 19, has a sleeve  25  covering the central portion (unnumbered) of the front panel  1 . Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 20, has a sleeve  26  covering the entire front panel  1 . This second embodiment could have a removable piece  27  which could be fastened in place with hook and loop fasteners  28 . In FIG. 21, an embodiment is shown with the removable piece  27  covering the strike pad removed. A removable piece  27  would enable easier insertion of the panels  1  and  2  into the sleeves  25 . Stretchable fabric could also ease the insertion of the panels  1  and  2  into sleeve  25 . A fabric sleeve  25  without the front panel  1  inserted is shown in FIG.  22 . In FIG. 23, a cross section of the exterior fabric sleeve  25  covering the front panel  1  is shown. The exterior fabric sleeve  25  can be sewn or attached to padded inserts  15  located on the interior  40  of the headguard  200 . 
     The Model With the Spine 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the headgear  200  may include a spine  4  connecting the front panel  1  to the rear panel  2  over the top of the head  102 . FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment with a spine  4  attaching the front and rear panels  1  and  2 . In this embodiment the spine  4  covers a substantial portion of the top of the head  102 , although vents  30  are created to permit air to circulate. FIG. 24 shows the entire headgear  200  lying flat before assembly. The spine  4  is typically created along with the front and rear panels  1  and  2  during the molding process in the form of a single flat pad. In FIG. 25 a rear view of this embodiment is shown. 
     To improve conformity of the headguard  200  to the head  101  and to maintain the three-dimensional shape of the headguard  200 , the spine  4  could be attached to the side portions  314  and  316  of the headguard  200  with hook and loop or other attachment means  31 . The hook portion of the hook and loop fasteners  31  could be located on the top (unnumbered) of the upper ribs  314  and  316  as shown in FIG.  24 . The loop portion of the hook and loop fasteners  31  could be located on the interior  40  of the headguard  200  at points  33  shown in FIG. 26 either as individual patches or as part of a fabric covering  25  on the interior  40  of the headguard  200 . 
     After assembly, the spine  4  runs from the top of the front panel  1  over the crown of the head  105  to the top of the rear panel  2 . The spine  4  can provide additional protection to the head  101  and may assist in preventing slippage of the headguard  200  over the brow  108  or down the neck  109 . 
     Like the embodiment without the spine  4 , the embodiment with the spine  4  could include a padded insert  34 . The padded insert  34  could attach to the panels  1  and  2  in much the same way as the padded inserts  15  and  17  discussed above. For example, attachment bands  19  could be used. FIG. 26 shows an interior view of the headguard  200  lying flat before assembly. This padded insert  34  could include a channel  35  in the rear portion (unnumbered) located inside  40  of the rear panel  2 . This channel  35  could accommodate a ponytail  110 . FIG. 27 shows this embodiment with attachment bands  19  attached to the exterior side of the panels  1  and  2  of the headguard  200 . In addition, a sleeve  25 , similar to the one shown in FIG. 20, could also cover the headguard  200  with the spine  4 . 
     The padded insert  34  may extend beyond the outline of the padded panels  1  and  2 . For example, in the area around the temple  106 , a portion  36  of the padded insert  34  could extend below the front panel  1  to cover more of the temple  106 , as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. The edge of the front panel  1  also could be extended to cover this same area of the temple  106 . 
     An Embodiment Without Side Ribs 
     The embodiments described above include a central pad  50  covering the forehead area  103  and side ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  covering the side of the head  104  as part of the front panel  1 . The embodiment disclosed in FIG. 32 is of a front panel  1  without side ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316 . The elimination of the side ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  may be desirable in certain instances. For example, in training players  100  to head the ball (not shown) properly, it may be advantageous to cover with padding (not shown) that portion of the head  101  best used for striking the soccer ball (not shown), namely the forehead  103 . 
     This embodiment, like those described above, reveals an invention with two adjustment strap systems, an upper adjustment strap system  3   a  and a lower adjustment strap system  3   b.  The upper adjustment strap system  3   a  maintains a line of retention that runs from an area above the occipital bone (not shown) along the side of the head  104  to an area above the frontal bone (not shown). The lower adjustment strap system  3   b  maintains a line of retention that runs from an area below the occipital bone (not shown) along the side of the head  104  to an area below the frontal bone (not shown) but above the brow  108 . 
     These two adjustment strap systems  3   a  and  3   b  help keep the headguard  200  in the proper position on the head  101  of the player  100 . They do so because the circumference of the head  101  is generally greater in the area between these two lines. Therefore pressure against the head  101  along these two lines tends to keep the headguard  200  in proper position on the head  101 . This is particularly important in a piece of headwear  200  in which some embodiments do not cover the top of the head  102  or which may not have a chinstrap (not shown). 
     With the elimination of the side ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316 , as disclosed here, the lines of retention are created with adjustment straps  3  that fasten directly to the central pad  50  and the rear pad  2 . In the embodiments described above the adjustment straps  3  fasten to the side ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  and the rear pad  2 . The line of retention is maintained through the side ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  to the front pad  318  because the side ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  and front pad  318  in those embodiments are composed of continuous material. Thus, whether side ribs  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  are used or not, the upper and lower lines of retention can be maintained. 
     Demarcation of the Header Target Location 
     The embodiment shown in FIG. 33 discloses a refined header target location  60 . A header target location  60  may be desirable in training a player  100  to head a soccer ball (not shown) off the forehead  103  or a specified portion of the forehead  103 . 
     In FIG. 33 the header target location  60  is defined by channels  61  of recessed padding (not shown). The recessed padding (not shown) follows along lines which, when the headguard  200  is worn, generally trace the lateral portions of the frontalis or other portion of the head  101  which defines the transition from the forehead  103  to the side of the head  104 . Lines could also demarcate smaller areas such as that defined by the medial portions of the frontalis (unnumbered). Other ways to define the line could include graphics or different colors. The purpose of the identification of the header target location  60  is to make it perceptible to the player  100  wearing the headguard  200  or to other persons such as a coach (not shown).