FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a headguard for combat sports such as boxing.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Headguards are worn in combat sports such as boxing to reduce the risk of injury to the wearer’s head. Generally, a headguard comprises one or more panels of a padded material which wrap around parts of a wearers head. An opening is provided for the wearer to see out of. The padded material helps to cushion impacts (such as punches) to the head. Headguards also help to prevent cuts, and scratching and scuffing of a wearer’s head. Different types of headguards may cover different parts of a wearer’s head, in order to protect different parts of the head and face, such as the ears and nose. Known headguards comprise a padded top portion arranged to extend over a wearer’s forehead and padded side portions which extend downwards from the top portion over sides of the wearer’s face. Some headguards have thicker padding than others, to improve cushioning, although such headguards may be bulky or heavy. A known problem with some headguards is that padding may encroach on the wearer’s field of view, which may, for example, reduce their ability to see an opponent’s fists when sparring or fighting. It is against this background that the present invention is devised.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to headguards for use in combat sports. A headguard according to the present disclosure comprises a forehead portion and face side portions extending downwardly from the forehead portion. Each of the face side portion includes an upper portion and a lower portion. A padded ridge extends through each of the forehead portion and the face side portions and at least partially surrounds the view opening. A lower edge of the forehead portion and inner side edges of the face side portions define at least part of a peripheral edge of a view opening for wearer vision. A thickness of an outer zone of each of the forehead portion and the face side portions is less than a thickness of the padded ridge such that a transition between the padded ridge and the outer zone is defined by a step in an outer surface of the headguard. The padded ridge comprises a tapered surface defining an inner zone of each of the forehead portion and face side portions adjacent the peripheral edge. The inner zone increases in thickness in a direction away from the peripheral edge. The tapered surface of the inner zone of each of the upper portions does not extend forward of the inner edge in the upper portions.

More particularly, an aspect of the present invention provides a headguard for use in combat sports, comprising: a forehead portion including a lower edge, an inner zone adjacent the lower edge, an outer zone furthest from the lower edge, and an intermediate zone between the inner zone and the outer zone; face side portions extending downwardly from the forehead portion, each face side portion comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, and each face side portion including an inner edge, an inner zone adjacent the inner edge, an outer zone furthest from the inner edge, and an intermediate zone between the inner zone and the outer zone; and a padded ridge extending through the intermediate zone of each of the forehead portion and the face side portions and at least partially surrounding the view opening, wherein a lower edge of the forehead portion and inner side edges of the face side portions define at least part of a peripheral edge of a view opening for wearer vision, and wherein a thickness of the padded ridge is greater than a thickness of the outer zones of each of the forehead portion and the face side portions such that the transition between the intermediate zone and the outer zone is defined by a step in an outer surface of the headguard, and the padded ridge comprises a tapered surface defining the inner zone of each of the forehead portion and face side portions such that the inner zone increases in thickness from the peripheral edge to the intermediate zone, and wherein the tapered surface of the inner zone of each of the upper portions does not extend forward of the inner edge in the upper portions.

This configuration of a padded ridge and tapered surfaces results in a headguard providing greater protection against peripheral impacts (e.g. from the sides, above, or below) around the eyes of the wearer without reducing or impairing peripheral vision for the wearer.

The forehead portion preferably comprises a top portion and a brow portion, and the padded ridge preferably extends through the brow portion and comprises a generally forward-facing brow surface defining the intermediate zone of the forehead portion and a generally downward-facing tapered surface defining the inner zone of the forehead portion. Preferably a padding thickness of the forehead portion increases across the inner zone from the peripheral edge to the intermediate zone.

Preferably, a width of the brow portion in a direction upwardly from the view opening is less than 50% of the width of the top portion.

Preferably, the tapered surface of the forehead portion extends into a temporal region of the headguard above a lower edge of the forehead portion. The temporal regions of the headguard are preferably disposed at lateral ends of the forehead portion.

Preferably the transition between the brow portion and the top portion comprises the step in the outer surface and includes a generally upwards-facing surface.

The inner edge of each of the upper portions preferably forms a side edge of the view opening.

An angle between a lower edge of the forehead portion (top edge of the view opening) and each of the side edges may be acute.

In some embodiments each lower portion extends downwardly and forwards from the respective upper portion, and each lower portion extends in a direction towards the other lower portion. The headguards of these embodiments may include a gap between ends of the lower portions for accommodating at least a part of the nose and mouth of a wearer of the headguard. Preferably the inner edge of each of the lower portions forms part of a lower edge of the view opening. In some embodiments a width of the padded ridge in the upper portions is smaller than a width of the padded ridge in the lower portions.

The lower portion of each face side portion may comprise a cheek portion which extends horizontally to extend over a wearer’s cheeks in use. The cheek portions may each include an upper edge which forms part of the peripheral edge of the headguard. A padding thickness of each cheek portion preferably increases across an inner zone of the cheek portion from the peripheral edge to an intermediate zone of the cheek portion.

In other embodiments each lower portion extends forwards from the respective upper portion, and each lower portion extends in a direction towards and joins the other lower portion, to form a continuous lower portion of the headguard extending laterally along a lower side of the view opening. The inner edges of the lower portions therefore preferably form a continuous lower edge of the view opening. In some embodiments the padded ridge may not extend fully across the continuous lower portion, such that a central region is defined between ends of the padded ridge having a thickness less than the thickness of the padded ridge. The thickness of the central region may be substantially the same as the thickness of the outer zones.

In some embodiments cheek portions of the lower portions may be joined by a nose bar to form a continuous lower portion extending fully along a lower edge of the view opening. The nose bar is preferably configured to extend over the nose of a wearer in use. A padding thickness of the nose bar is preferably less than the padding thickness of the intermediate zones of the cheek portions.

In some embodiments the headguard may further comprise rear panels configured to extend around the rear of a wearer’s head, and a securing arrangement arranged to secure together edges of the rear panels to secure the headguard to a wearer’s head. The securing arrangement is preferably in the form of a lacing arrangement. The lacing arrangement may comprise a lace receiving passage secured to each rear panel, each lace receiving passage comprising a tube including a plurality of apertures, and a lace passing into and out of each of the tubes through the apertures.

In preferred embodiments each rear panel comprises an ear guard including an ear aperture and a padding member surrounding the ear aperture and projecting outwardly from the rear panel.

In some embodiments the headguard may further comprise a chin strap.

In preferred embodiments of the headguard the inner zone includes regions in which a width of the inner zone, in a direction transverse to the peripheral edge, is at least 50% of the width of the intermediate zone adjacent said region.

In some embodiments the intermediate zone of each face side portion may be provided by a padding ridge which extends adjacent to the inner side edge. The padding ridge may comprise a distal edge between the intermediate zone and the outer zone of the face side portion. An angle between the upper edge of the brow portion and the distal edge of the padding ridge may be acute. Each padding ridge may be continuous with the brow portion.

The headguard may comprise an inner surface which is arranged to face a wearer and an opposite outer surface. Preferably the peripheral edge of the view opening is disposed closer to the inner surface than to the outer surface. Preferably the peripheral edge comprises an edge of the inner surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used for like features, and in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a front part of a headguard according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the headguard of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a rear view of a rear part of the headguard of Figure 1 ;

Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the headguard of Figures 1 to 3, with the headguard shown as it would be positioned on a wearer’s head, but with the wearer’s head not shown;

Figure 6 is a front view of a front part of a headguard according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a side view of the headguard of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a rear view of a rear part of the headguard of Figure 6; and

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the headguard of Figures 6 to 8, with the headguard shown as it would be positioned on a wearer’s head, but with the wearer’s head not shown. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 to 5 show a headguard 2 for combat sports according to a first embodiment of the invention. In use, the headguard 2 is worn to protect the head of a wearer (such a boxer). The headguard 2 is worn on the wearer’s head and extends around the head to protect the head. In particular, the headguard 2 is arranged to protect the face of a wearer. The headguard 2 comprises padding to cushion the impact of strikes (e.g. punches or kicks) to the head.

In this specification, the headguard is described with reference to a wearer’s head. Accordingly, the terms “upwardly”, “upper” and related terms refer to a direction towards the top of a wearer’s head (and towards the top in Figures 1 to 9). The terms “downwardly”, “lower” and related terms refer to an opposite direction, i.e. in a direction towards the wearer’s chin or neck (and towards the bottom in Figures 1 to 9). Similarly, “forwards”, “forwardly” and related terms refer to a direction towards the front of a wearer’s head, and “back”, “rearwards”, “rearwardly” and related terms refer to a direction towards the back of a wearer’s head.

Referring to Figure 1 , the headguard 2 comprises a padded face panel 4 having a forehead portion 6 and a pair of opposed lateral portions or face side portions 8. The padded face panel 4 has an inner surface 10 (which faces the wearer in use) and an opposite outer surface 12, which provide inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of the forehead and face side portions 6, 8. The forehead portion 6 is arranged to extend over an upper part of the wearer’s face and head. The forehead portion 6 spans between the face side portions 8. The face side portions 8 are therefore spaced apart at lateral ends of the forehead portion 6. The face side portions 8 extend generally downwardly from the forehead portion 6. Together, the forehead portion 6 and the face side portions 8 frame a view opening 14 through which a wearer can see, as described further below.

The forehead portion 6 comprises a top portion 16 and a brow portion 18. The brow portion 18 and top portion 16 are curved to fit the curvature of the wearer’s head. The brow portion 18 is elongate and extends generally horizontally. The brow portion 18 is arranged to extend above and generally parallel to the brow of the wearer. The brow portion 18 is arranged to extend over the brow ridge (supraorbital ridge) above the eyes. In this way, the brow portion 18 extends along an upper side of the view opening 14. A lower edge 20 of the brow portion 18 defines part of a peripheral edge 22 of the view opening 14. In particular, the lower edge 20 defines an upper portion of the peripheral edge 22 or an upper edge 24 of the view opening 14. The lower edge 20 defines a lower edge of the forehead portion 6.

The brow portion 18 comprises an upper edge 26 opposite the lower edge 20. The top portion 16 extends upwardly from the upper edge 26 and is arranged to extend over the wearer’s forehead. The top portion 16 extends to a top edge 25 of the headguard 2.

The upper edge 26 of the brow portion 18 extends generally horizontally between lateral end edges 28, 30 of the brow portion 18 which extend generally vertically. The upper edge 26 meets each end edge 28, 30 at a top corner 32, 34. A portion of the upper edge 26 curves upwardly towards each end edge 28, 30 of the brow portion 18 so that the top corners 32, 34 are disposed upwardly of a central portion of the upper edge 26. In this way a width of the top portion 16, between the brow portion 18 and the top edge 25, is smaller adjacent the top corners 32, 34 than adjacent the central portion of the upper edge 26.

The brow portion 18 comprises a region of thicker padding than the top portion 16. In this embodiment, the brow portion 18 is defined by an increased thickness ridge of padding material, as can be seen most clearly in Figures 2, 4 and 5. The padded ridge has a generally forward-facing surface or brow surface 35 and a lower surface or first tapered surface 36 which is generally downward-facing. The lower surface 36 slopes from the forward-facing brow surface 35 to the lower edge 20.

The thickness of the padding of the top portion 16 is significantly less than the thickness of the padded ridge. Furthermore, there is a relatively sharp transition between the top portion 16 and the brow portion 18 resulting in a step or shoulder between the top portion 16 and the brow portion 16. This step or shoulder comprises a generally upward-facing surface 37.

Referring again to Figure 1 , in this embodiment each face side portion 8 comprises an upper portion 38 which extends generally downwards from proximate one of the ends 28, 30 of the brow portion. A lower portion 40 extends from each upper portion 38 furthest from the forehead portion 6. In this embodiment, each lower portion 40 extends downwardly and forwards from the upper portion 38. Each lower portion 40 also extends inwardly towards the lower portion 40 of the other of the face side portions 8. Each upper portion 38 is arranged to extend adjacent an eye of the wearer. Each upper portion 38 is arranged to extend over the temple and part of the side of the face lateral to the eye (lateral orbital region of the wearer’s face). Each upper portion 38 is arranged to extend over part of the cheek bone. Each lower portion 40 is arranged to extend over a cheek and part of the jaw. In this way, the lower portions 40 provide cheek protectors. In this embodiment, therefore, the lower portions 40 comprise cheek portions of the headguard 2. The lower portions 40, or cheek portions, extend towards one another but do not meet. In this way, a gap 42 between opposing parts of the lower portions 40 is arranged to accommodate the wearer’s nose and mouth.

Each face side portion 8 comprises an inner edge 44 which defines part of the peripheral edge 22 of the view opening 14. In particular, where each inner edge 44 extends along the upper portion 38, the inner edge 44 defines a side edge 46 of the view opening 14. Where the inner edge 44 extends along the lower portion 40, the inner edge defines a lower edge 45 of the view opening 14. The inner edge 44 of each face side portion 8 is preferably continuous with the lower edge 20 of the forehead portion 6. The inner edge 44 of each face side portion 8 is preferably curved. In a direction downwardly from the upper portion 38, the inner edges 44 curve towards one another, extend generally parallel to one another proximate the gap 42, and then curve away from one another adjacent a lower end or distal end of the lower portions 40. With this arrangement, the view opening 14 is generally anvil shaped, as can be seen in Figure 1.

Each face side portion 8 is provided with an elongate bar or ridge 54 of padding material which extends along the inner edge 44 of the face side portion 8. The ridge 54 extends along the inner edge 44 from the brow portion 18 to the gap 42 between the lower portions 40. Each face side portion 8 further comprises a lateral region 41 that extends from the padded ridge 54 in the upper portion 38 in a direction away from the inner edge 44 (and in a direction towards an ear of the wearer), and a jaw region 43 that extends from the padded ridge 54 in the lower portion 40 in a direction away from the inner edge 44 (and in a direction towards the neck of the wearer). It will be appreciated that the lateral region 41 is continuous with the jaw region 43.

The ridge 54 has a greater padding thickness than the padding in either of the lateral or jaw regions 41 , 43. The thickness of the padding of both the lateral region 41 and the jaw region 43 is significantly less than the thickness of the padded ridge 54. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there is a relatively sharp transition between the ridge 54 and the lateral region 41 and between the ridge 54 and the jaw region 43, resulting in a step or shoulder between the ridge 54 and each of the lateral region 41 and jaw region 43. A width (in a direction parallel to the outer surface of the lower portion 40 and away from the view opening 14) of the padding ridge 54 in the lower portion 40 is preferably greater than a width of the ridge 54 in the upper portion 38. In this way, the increased thickness padding has a lobed appearance, providing a padded lobe in each lower portion 40, which serves as a cheek protector.

An edge region of the increased thickness ridge 54 adjacent the inner edge 44 is chamfered in the upper portions 38 to provide a front surface or second tapered surface 48 of each upper portion 38. The inner edge 44 is disposed proximate the inner surface 10 of the face panel 4 and the front surface 48 slopes rearwardly from the inner edge 44. The front surface 48 therefore faces generally forwards (i.e. in a forward direction of view of the wearer) and outwards. In this way, the front surface 48 does not obstruct the wearer’s vision, in particular in a lateral direction, and the thicker padding does not block or reduce peripheral vision of the wearer, but provides cushioning against lateral impacts.

Similarly, an edge region of the increased thickness ridge 54 adjacent the inner edge 44 is chamfered in the lower portions 40 to provide a top surface or third tapered surface 52 of each lower portion 40. Each top surface 52 faces generally upwards. The top surface 52 is angled to slope downwardly away from the inner edge 44. In this way, the top surface 52 does not obstruct the wearer’s vision, in particular in a downward direction.

In this embodiment, the ridges 54 of the face side portions 8 are continuous with the brow portion 18 such that a continuous padded ridge (having a greater padding thickness than the top portion 16, lateral regions 41 and jaw regions 43 of the face panel 4) extends around the peripheral edge 22 of the view opening 14. In this way, the headguard 2 comprises a padded surround which extends around the view opening 14.

A shape of the padded ridge 54 in each of the top corners 32, 34 may be described as arrowhead-shaped (concave quadrilateral) or chevron-shaped.

In this embodiment the top surface 52 of each of the lower portions 40 is continuous with the front surface 48 of the respective upper portion 38. Together, the lower surface 36 of the brow portion, front surfaces 48 of the upper portions 38 and top surfaces 52 of the lower portions 40 provide a chamfer arrangement around the view opening 14. The lower surface 36, front surfaces 48 and top surfaces 52 together provide an inner zone of the padded portions which extends along the peripheral edge 22.

With this configuration of the padded ridges and chamfered edges, greater protection is provided against peripheral impacts (e.g. from the sides, above, or below) around the eyes of the wearer without reducing peripheral vision for the wearer. In some embodiments the angle of chamfering of the padded ridge increases peripheral vision compared to prior art headguards.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the headguard 2 comprises a pair of rear portions 56 in the form of panels which extend rearwardly from the face panel 4. Each rear portion 56 extends from a lateral side of the face panel distal to the view opening 14. The rear portions 56 are curved and extend rearwardly and towards one another. The rear portions 56 are arranged to wrap around the sides and rear of the wearer’s head. Each rear portion 56 comprises a generally vertical distal edge 58. The distal edges 58 are generally linear and elongate and are arranged to extend parallel to one another. The distal edges 58 are arranged to meet or be disposed proximate one another when the headguard 2 is secured on the head of a wearer. Figure 3 shows a gap 60 between the distal edges 58. Each of the rear portions 56 comprises a concave edge 55 disposed below the distal edge 58. The concave edge 55 is disposed between the distal edge 58 and a chinstrap 74 for securing the headguard 2 in place.

The rear portions 56 are arranged to be secured together by a securing arrangement to secure the headguard 2 on the wearer’s head. In this embodiment, the securing arrangement comprises a lacing arrangement 62. Parts of the lacing arrangement 62 are provided on each distal edge 58. Each distal edge 58 is provided with a lace receiving passage. Each lace receiving passage comprises an elongate tube or channel 64 through which a part of a lace 66 extends. A first lateral side 68 of the channel 64 is disposed adjacent the distal edge 58 and a second lateral side 70 of the channel 64 is disposed further from the edge 58. A plurality of apertures or slits 72 are disposed along the length of the second lateral side 70 of the channel 64. The apertures 72 are spaced apart along the length of the lace receiving passage 64, and are preferably equidistantly spaced. Each aperture 72 provides an opening in the lace receiving passage 64 to allow the lace 66 to pass into and out of the channel 64.

In use, the lace 66 is inserted through each of the apertures 72 such that the lace 66 passes into and out of the channel 64 along the length of the lace receiving passage 64. It will be appreciated that when the lace 66 is tightened, the lace receiving passages 64 are pulled towards each other, thereby closing the gap 60 formed between the distal edges 58 and securing the headguard 2 to the wearer’s head. In this tightened configuration the second lateral sides 70 of the elongate tubes 64 are preferably in contact with each other. In other embodiments, the securing arrangement may comprise another securing arrangement, such as a hook and loop fastener, buckle arrangement, magnetic closure, snap fastener or similar.

As shown most clearly in Figure 2, the chin strap 74 is disposed proximate a lower end 76 of the headguard 2. The chin strap 74 preferably comprises first and second strap parts which extend from opposing sides of the headguard 2. In this embodiment, the chin strap 74 comprises a securing arrangement in the form of a magnetic buckle arrangement (not shown). In other embodiments, the chin strap may comprise another securing arrangement, such as a hook and loop fastener, lacing arrangement, snap fastener or similar.

Each rear portion 56 comprises an ear aperture 82 which passes though the rear portion 56. Each ear aperture 82 comprises an elongate aperture which extends generally vertically. Each ear aperture 82 is sized to receive an ear of the wearer. In use therefore, each of the wearer’s ears extends at least partially through one of the ear apertures. An ear guard 84 is provided on each rear portion 56. Each ear guard 84 is arranged to extend around one of the wearer’s ears in use. Each ear guard 84 comprises a generally horseshoe-shaped padding member 86. The padding member 86 extends around the ear aperture 82 provided in the respective rear portion 56. The horseshoe shape is inverted so that a slit or gap 85 between ends of the padding member 86 is disposed at a lower part of the ear aperture 82. The padding member 86 projects from the outer surface of the rear portion 56 to provide a region of increased padding thickness around the ear aperture 82. Each end of the padding member 86 comprises a tapered tip. In this way, the padding member 86 defines an ear receiving recess 88 aligned with the ear aperture 82. The ear receiving recess 88 is elongate and generally oval. Each ear receiving recess 88 extends generally vertically. Accordingly, in use, each ear is received in a respective ear receiving region 88 of one of the ear guards 84. Each ear guard 84 is provided with a strap 90 which extends over an outer side of the ear guard 84. The strap 90 extends generally perpendicular to a length of the ear receiving region 88. The strap 90 extends from a rear side of the padding member 86 to a front side of the padding member 86. The strap 90 extends in a direction forwards and downwards from the rear side of the padding member 86. The strap 90 extends over a middle part of the ear receiving recess 88. The strap covers the middle part of the ear receiving recess 88 so that parts of the recess 88 are uncovered above and below the strap 90.

A headguard according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 6 to 9. The headguard is similar to the headguard according to the first embodiment and like features have been indicated with like reference numerals incremented by 100.

Referring to Figure 6, the headguard 102 comprises a padded face panel 104 having a forehead portion 106 and a pair of lateral portions or face side portions 108. The padded face panel 104 has an inner surface 110 (which faces the wearer in use) and an opposite outer surface 112, which provide inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of the forehead and face side portions 106, 108. The forehead portion 106 is arranged to extend over an upper part of the wearer’s face and head. The forehead portion 106 spans between the face side portions 108. The face side portions 108 are spaced apart by and extend generally downwardly from the forehead portion 106. Together, the forehead portion 106 and the face side portions 108 frame a view opening 114 through which a wearer can see, as described further below.

The forehead portion 106 comprises a top portion 116 and a brow portion 118. The brow portion 118 and top portion 116 are curved to fit the curvature of the wearer’s head. The brow portion 118 is elongate and extends generally horizontally. The brow portion 118 is arranged to extend above and generally parallel to the brow of the wearer. The brow portion 118 is arranged to extend over the brow ridge (supraorbital ridge) above the eyes. In this way, the brow portion 118 extends along an upper side of the view opening 114. A lower edge 120 of the brow portion 118 defines part of a peripheral edge 122 of the view opening 114. In particular, the lower edge 120 defines an upper edge 124 of the view opening 114. The lower edge 120 defines a lower edge of the forehead portion 106.

The brow portion 118 comprises an upper edge 126 opposite the lower edge 120. The top portion 116 extends upwardly from the upper edge 126 and is arranged to extend over the wearer’s forehead. The top portion 116 extends to a top edge 125 of the headguard 102.

The upper edge 126 of the brow portion 118 extends generally horizontally between lateral end edges 128, 130 of the brow portion 118 which extend generally vertically. The upper edge 126 meets each end edge 128, 130 at a top corner 132, 134. A portion of the upper edge 126 curves upwardly towards each end edge 128, 130 of the brow portion 118 so that the top corners 132, 134 are disposed upwardly of a central portion of the upper edge 126. In this way a width of the top portion 116, between the brow portion 118 and the top edge 125, is smaller adjacent the top corners 132, 134 than adjacent the central portion of the upper edge 126.

The brow portion 118 comprises a region of thicker padding than the top portion 116. In this embodiment, the brow portion 118 is defined by an increased thickness ridge of padding material, as can be seen most clearly in Figures 7 and 9. The padded ridge has a generally forward-facing surface or brow surface 135 and a lower surface or first tapered surface 136 which is generally downward-facing. The lower surface 136 slopes from the forward-facing brow surface 135 to the lower edge 120.

The thickness of the padding of the top portion 116 is significantly less than the thickness of the padded ridge. Furthermore, there is a relatively sharp transition between the top portion 116 and the brow portion 118 resulting in a step or shoulder between the top portion 116 and the brow portion 116. This step or shoulder comprises a generally upward-facing surface 137.

Referring again to Figure 6, in this embodiment each of the face side portions 108 comprises an upper portion 138 which extends generally downwards from proximate one of the ends 128, 130 of the brow portion 118, and a lower portion 140 which extends from a lower end of the upper portion 138. Each upper portion 138 is arranged to extend adjacent an eye of the wearer. Each upper portion 138 is arranged to extend over the temple and part of the side of the face lateral to the eye (lateral orbital region of the wearer’s face). Each upper portion 138 is arranged to extend over part of the cheek bone.

Each lower portion 140 extends generally horizontally. Each lower portion 140 comprises a cheek portion that extends forwards and inwardly towards the cheek portion of the other face side portion 108. In this embodiment, a nose bar extends between and connects the cheek portions. The nose bar of the headguard 102 is arranged to extend over and protect the wearer’s nose. In this embodiment, therefore, the lower portions 140 meet and are continuous with one another. The lower portions 140 extend laterally along a lower side of the view opening 114.

Each face side portion 108 comprises an inner edge 144 which defines part of the peripheral edge 122 of the view opening 114. In particular, where each inner edge 144 extends generally vertically along the upper portion 138, the inner edge 144 defines a side edge 146 of the view opening 114. The inner edge 144 is disposed proximate the inner surface 110 of the side portion 108. Each upper portion 138 further comprises a front surface or second tapered surface 148. The front surface 148 faces generally forwards (i.e. in a forward direction of view of the wearer) and outwards. In this way, the front surface 148 slopes rearwardly from the inner edge 144. The front surface 148 extends between the inner edge 144 and the outer surface 112 of the face side portion 108.

The inner edge 144 extends generally horizontally along the lower portion 140. In this way, an upper edge of the lower portions provides a lower peripheral edge 145 of the view opening 114. Accordingly, the view opening 114 is fully enclosed or surrounded. Each lower portion 140 comprises a top surface or third tapered surface 152 which faces generally upwards. The top surface 152 extends between the inner edge 144 and the outer surface 112. The top surface 152 is continuous with the front surface 148 of the upper portion 138. The top surface 152 is angled to slope downwardly away from the inner edge 144 (in particular from the lower edge 145). In this way, the top surface 152 does not obstruct the wearer’s vision, in particular in a downward direction. The inner edge 144 of each face side portion 108 is preferably curved where the upper portion 138 meets the lower portion 140. With this arrangement, the view opening 114 is generally rectangular, with radiused corners.

Each face side portion 108 is provided with an elongate bar or ridge 154 of padding material which extends along the inner edge 144 of the side portion 108. The ridge 154 has a greater padding thickness than parts of the face side portions 108 distal to the inner edge 144 and view opening 114. The increased thickness ridge 154 is chamfered in the upper portions 138 to provide the front surface 148 of each upper portion 138. In this way, the thicker padding does not block or reduce peripheral vision of the wearer, but provides cushioning against lateral impacts. In this embodiment, the ridges 154 of the face side portions 108 are continuous with the brow portion 118 such that a ridge of padding (having a greater padding thickness than distal parts of the face panel 104) extends around the peripheral edge 122 of the view opening 114. In this way, the headguard 102 comprises a padded surround which extends around the view opening 114.

A width of the padded ridge 154 in each lower portion 140 tapers to a point at a middle portion 155 where the lower portions 140 meet. In this way, the middle portion 155 has a reduced padding thickness. This middle portion 155 is disposed over a tip the wearer’s nose in use. This middle portion 155 therefore forms the nose bar.

Together, the lower surface 136 of the brow portion 118, front surfaces 148 of the upper portions 138 and top surfaces 152 of the lower portions 140 provide a chamfer arrangement or chamfered surface around the view opening 114.

With the combination of the ridge of padding and the chamfered surfaces, greater protection is provided against peripheral impacts (e.g. from the sides, above, or below) without reducing peripheral vision for the wearer.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the headguard further comprises rear portions 156, a securing arrangement 162 and ear guards 184. The rear portions 156 are substantially the same as the rear portions 56 of the first embodiment, except that an edge of the rear portions 156 below the distal edge 158 has a convex curvature, rather than a part having a concave curvature, as in the first embodiment. The securing arrangement 162 and ear guards 184 of this second embodiment are substantially identical to those of the first embodiment and will not be described further here.

In the embodiments described above, each portion of the headguard may be provided by a discrete section or part so that the headguard is made by joining (e.g. stitching) a plurality of parts together. Additionally or alternatively, two or more portions may be continuous with one another so that these portions may be made as a single part. For example, the face panel, comprising the forehead portion and side portions, may be made as a single unit, and the rear portions may be joined to the face panel.

The outer surfaces of the headguard are preferably made from a suitable leather material. Alternatively they may be made from another suitable material, which may be a man-made or synthetic material, such as vinyl. The padding is preferably provided by a suitable foam material. The foam material is preferably a polymeric material, for example latex or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The padding may be made from layered foam or injection moulded foam. The padding may comprise a gel material. Inner surfaces of the headguard may be made from a leather material, a synthetic material and/or a fabric material.

To help secure the headguard correctly in position on the wearer’s head, the headguard may comprise a plurality of straps or loops (not shown) which are circumferentially spaced apart along a top edge of the headguard and are arranged to extend radially inwardly over the top of the wearer’s head. Each strap is arranged to receive part of a lace or tie which can be tightened to draw the straps towards one another. In this way, the straps form a top or crown of the headguard to prevent the headguard from slipping down the wearer’s head in use.

It will be appreciated that in the embodiments described above, the headguard comprises a view opening having a peripheral edge and that a region of padding extends along the peripheral edge and therefore around the view opening. Edges of the padding are chamfered along the peripheral edge so that, proximate the peripheral edge, a thickness of the padding increases in a direction from the peripheral edge and away from the view opening. Distal to the peripheral edge and view opening, the thickness of the padding is reduced. Accordingly, a ridge (which may also be considered as a rib or bar) of padding extends around the view opening.

The headguard comprises an inner zone proximate the peripheral edge and extending along the peripheral edge. The inner zone preferably comprises the chamfered edge of the padding. An intermediate zone of the headguard extends around the peripheral edge adjacent to and distal to the inner zone. The intermediate zone preferably comprises a part of the ridge of padding having the greatest thickness. An outer zone of the headguard extends around and is distal to the intermediate zone. A thickness of the outer zone is less than the thickness of the intermediate zone. Accordingly, a padding thickness of the intermediate zone is greater than both a padding thickness of the inner zone and a padding thickness of the outer zone. In the examples described above, the inner zone is provided by the lower surface (first tapered surface) of the brow portion, the font surface (second tapered surface) of the upper portions, and the top surface (third tapered surface) of the lower portions. A width of the inner zone (in a direction away from the peripheral edge and towards the intermediate zone) is preferably, in some regions, at least 50% of the width of the intermediate zone.

The present invention provides a headguard for use in combat sports, comprising first and second padded lateral face portions spaced apart by a padded brow portion, each of the padded portions having an inner surface and an outer surface defining a padding thickness therebetween. Each of the first and second padded lateral face portions extends downwardly from the padded brow portion and comprises an inner edge and a tapered surface which extends between the inner edge and the outer surface. The inner edges of the lateral face portions define edges of a view opening for wearer vision, and define a frontal plane which extends perpendicular to a forward viewing direction of the wearer. Each front surface extends from the inner edge in a direction rearwardly away from the frontal plane. Accordingly, the present invention provides a headguard for combat sports comprising a view opening for wearer vision, the view opening being defined in part by an upper edge and side edges. The headguard comprising an increased thickness surround which extends around the view opening along the upper edge and side edges.