Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for user-moldable sports equipment, for example, shin guards and sports shoes. The sports equipment includes an integral component having relatively rigid thin shell curved walls with a thermoplastic component sandwiched in between the thin shells. The thermoplastic transitions to a moldable state at a temperature between 150° F. and 210° F. The sports equipment is placed in a waterproof bag and into heated water to become moldable, and hardens to a rigid state when cooled. In a heel cup embodiment, a composite layer is applied directly to the shoe upper, and a pre-formed thermoplastic component is positioned over the composite layer. A second composite layer is then laid over the thermoplastic component and the assembly is cured. The heel cup may include arms that extend upwardly to engage the shoe closure structure.

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a boot having an upper portion and a sole portion, a frame that supports ground engagement members such as wheels or an ice skate blade, and external mounting blocks. A plurality of attachment members such as nut plates are embedded in a toe end of the sole portion and a second plurality of attachment members embedded in a heel end of the sole portion. The external mounting blocks are removably attachable to the sole through the embedded attachment members. The frame attaches to the boot through the external mounting blocks. The boot is attachable to different frames having different mount configurations by adjusting or interchanging the external mounting blocks.