USER-MOLDABLE SPORTS EQUIPMENT USING HEATED WATER BATH

摘要

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.