Retention system for headgear

Abstract

Protective headguard comprising a protective pad and a retention element cooperatively attached to the protective pad wherein the headguard defines at least two separate and distinct, diametrically intersecting and inwardly influenced circumferential lines of retention when worn on the head.

1 . A protective headguard to be worn on a human head, comprising a protective pad and a retention element cooperatively attached to the protective pad wherein the headguard defines at least two separate and distinct tensioned and diametrically intersecting circumferential lines of retention when worn on the head.  
   
   
       2 . The protective headguard of  claim 1  wherein the retention element is elastic.  
   
   
       3 . The protective headguard of  claim 2  wherein the retention element defines a strap extending along at least a portion of each line of retention.  
   
   
       4 . The protective headguard of  claim 1  wherein the retention element includes a strap extending along at least a portion of each line of retention, and a length adjustment means cooperatively attached to each strap for permitting an adjustment of the length of each strap.  
   
   
       5 . The protective headguard of  claim 1  wherein the protective pad and retention element are configured and arranged such that the diametric points of intersection of the circumferential lines of retention are positioned proximate each temple of a wearer when the protective headguard is worn on the head.  
   
   
       6 . The protective headguard of  claim 1  wherein the headgear is configured and arranged so that one circumferential line of retention runs above an occipital bone of a wearer and another circumferential line of retention runs below the occipital bone of a wearer.  
   
   
       7 . The protective headguard of  claim 1  wherein the angle at which the circumferential lines of retention intersect when the headguard is worn is adjustable.  
   
   
       8 . The protective headguard of  claim 1  wherein the positions of the diametric points of intersection of the circumferential lines of retention may be circumferentially shifted.  
   
   
       9 . A protective headguard to be worn on a human head, comprising a protective pad and a pair of separate and distinct, tensioned and diametrically intersecting retention elements attached to the protective pad.  
   
   
       10 . The protective headguard of  claim 9  wherein at least a segment of each retention element is elastic.  
   
   
       11 . The protective headguard of  claim 9  wherein the retention elements are elastic.  
   
   
       12 . The protective headguard of  claim 9  wherein the retention elements have a length and include a length adjustment means cooperatively attached to each retention element for permitting an adjustment in the tension of each retention element when the protective headguard is worn on the head.  
   
   
       13 . The protective headguard of  claim 9  wherein the protective pad and retention element are configured and arranged such that the diametric points of intersection of the circumferential lines of retention are positioned proximate each temple of a wearer when the protective headguard is worn on the head.  
   
   
       14 . A protective headguard to be worn on a human head, comprising: 
 (a) a front protective piece comprising a plurality of separate pads loosely restrained within a pocket whereby each pad may shift within the pocket relative to the other pads,    (b) a rear protective piece,    (c) and a retention element interconnecting the front protective piece and the rear protective piece.    
   
   
       15 . The protective headguard of  claim 14  wherein the retention element is elastic.  
   
   
       16 . The protective headguard of  claim 15  wherein the retention element defines a strap.  
   
   
       17 . The protective headguard of  claim 14  wherein the retention element includes a strap and a length adjustment means cooperatively attached to the strap for permitting an adjustment of the length of each strap.  
   
   
       18 . The protective headguard of  claim 14  wherein the front protective piece comprises at least three separate pads.  
   
   
       19 . The protective headguard of  claim 14  wherein the pocket is divided into separate cells with a single pad retained within each cell.  
   
   
       20 . A protective headguard to be worn on a human head, comprising a front protective piece and a rear protective piece wherein the front protective piece and the rear protective piece are pivotally attached to one another at diametrically opposed pivot points whereby the front protective piece and the rear protective piece may be independently pivoted about the pivot points.