Abstract:
The exoskeletal dynamic load bearing shock absorbing knee brace makes use of the energy absorbing characteristics of specifically designed industrial shock absorbers which are held precisely in place by an articulated dynamic exoskeletal structure that is to be secured to the lower limbs of the individual with the injured knee. The exoskeletal structure is designed using the principles of the overcenter linkage to translate and transfer to the shock absorbers a representative fraction of the normal and extra normal ambulatory movements of the lower limbs of the user which makes possible for these shock absorbers to absorb a corresponding amount of energy and provide an alternate load bearing structure parallel to the knees thus introducing a desirable degree of protection for the injured knee.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/104,381, filed Dec. 12, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 13/902,835, filed May 26, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 13/555,165, filed Aug. 9, 2012. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    A knee brace incorporating external shock absorbers configured to provide shock absorption of an articulated leg so as to reduce shock to the knee is provided. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Injuries to the human knee joint resulting from participation in extreme sporting activities or resulting from accumulated damage with advancing years are all too common. 
         [0004]    The knee joint is the biggest joint in the human body and is subject to various failure modes. One of the failure modes is the failure of the meniscus to maintain its integrity under sudden load spikes or accumulated damage. The meniscus is an avascular cartilage that acts as a shock absorber inside the knee. There are two disc shaped menisci in each knee.  FIG. 1  is a representation of the knee with the meniscus between the femur and the tibia. 
         [0005]    A Sep. 11, 2008 study in the New England Journal of Medicine titled Incidental Meniscal Findings on Knee MRI in Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons by seven physicians in the New England area concluded that “Incidental Meniscal findings on MRI of the knee are common in the general population and increase with increasing age.” The study reports Meniscal tear prevalence rates of 15% to 30% in women and men aged 50-59 and 27% to 37% rates in women and men aged 60-69. The incidence rates increase to a maximum of 50% with age advancing to 70-90 years. 
         [0006]    The damage resulting from meniscus tears and other failure modes is hard to contain and control under normal everyday working load situations. As the meniscus failure progresses the femur and the tibia come in direct contact resulting in irreversible damage under very painful conditions. If untreated, the afflicted may find it unable to bear the pain, and may require the implantation of artificial knees. 
         [0007]    Knee braces and supporting orthotics currently available are not configured to provide load bearing, and shock absorbing function. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,599 to Vito et al. is designed to provide stability in cases of loss of neuro-muscular control of a knee joint or a hip joint. U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,524 to Doyle is directed towards a knee support for supporting an injured knee while permitting bending and straightening of such a knee, however is silent as to shock absorbing functionality. U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,190 to Fischer et al. is directed towards a device for bracing or exercising the knee joint in a manner that allows the bending of the knee joint only along a predetermined path which approximates the bending of the joint. 
         [0008]    Accordingly it remains desirable to have a knee brace that bears the load of the knees and absorbs shock on the knees so as to prevent damage to the knees and help in the healing of the damaged knee joint. It further remains desirable to have a knee brace worn around the knee and allow the individual to maintain flexibility and movement of the knee so as to allow individuals with knee problems to continue with their active lifestyle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0009]    A load bearing shock absorbing knee brace is provided. The knee brace is configured to be attached to the lower portion of the leg surrounding the tibia and an upper portion of the leg around the femur so as to reduce the load and the shock loads experienced by the knee joint as the individual uses the legs to walk or run. 
         [0010]    In a first embodiment, the knee brace an upper sleeve assembly having a pair of upper struts fixed. One end of the upper struts are fixed to the sleeve. The sleeve is configured to engage the outer surface of the upper limb or thigh. The sleeve may have a conical shape similar to that of the human thigh to facilitate the desired load transfer from the sleeve to the thigh without the use of uncomfortably tight fits. 
         [0011]    The other end of the struts are pivotally attached to a pair of shock absorbers. The shock absorbers may be tuned to specific energy absorption capabilities taking into account the effective impact weight of the individual using the knee brace, shock absorber stroke, internal return spring force and ease of integration. The shock absorbers are retained in a load bearing yet adjustable manner in a lower strut section that is to be strapped to the lower limbs. The other end of the lower strut may be removably attached to a shoe insert. The end of the lower strut may be inserted via a quick disconnect mechanism into a suitably designed hinged mechanism that is made part of a specially designed and built shoe. 
         [0012]    The overcenter linkage principle that is being used to actuate the shock absorbers utilizing the natural movement of the limbs can be best be explained by reference to the diagrams in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In these figures  701  and  704  represent two points at which this knee brace is strapped to the limb: (1) the point in the thigh where the strap is attached; and (2) the point in the shoe where the lower strut is attached. The center point of the clevis pin in the shock absorber is represented by  702  while  703  represents the natural center of the knee. With the individual in the seated position the length of the linkage  701 - 702 - 704  is greater that the length of the path in the leg  701 - 703 - 704 . 
         [0013]    Thus, when the individual stands up in the vertical position for instance, the movement of the leg forces the linkage  701 - 702 - 704  to decrease in length thereby forcing the shock absorber to close in until the new linkage length equals the length of the path in the leg  701 - 703 - 704 . In this position the shock absorber is primed for action and the return springs push up against upper sleeve as far as the fastening conditions permit. As the individual walks or runs the movement of the limbs introduces sufficient movement to the shock absorbers to elicit a force response which helps in reducing the load on the knee. The shock absorber may be dimensioned to provide a force response directly proportional to the rate of change of position of its piston thus more vigorous and faster movements elicit a greater force response, and this helps reduce the load on the knee under shock and faster movement conditions. 
         [0014]    The knee brace is configured to provide load bearing and shock absorbing function to the user&#39;s knee. It should be appreciated that the lower struts and the incorporation of the shoe insert to the shoe may be modified. In the first preferred embodiment the lower strut is pivotably connected to the back of the heel. This design allows the greatest degree of freedom for the foot. In a second preferred embodiment, the lower strut is pivotably mounted to a shoe sole insert having a pair of upwardly extending arms. For instance, the lower strut assembly may include a pair of lower struts, each fixedly connected to the pair of shock absorbers on one end, and pivotably connected to the pair of upwardly extending arms on the other end. In a third preferred embodiment, the knee brace may have a lower strut which includes a retaining sleeve configured to hold the pair of shock absorbers on one end of the lower strut, and a pair of retainers disposed on the end opposite the retaining sleeve, wherein the ends of the retainers are pivotably connected to a respective boot configured to engage a respective upwardly extending arm so as to position the lower strut in front of the calf when worn. In a fourth preferred embodiment, the knee brace includes a Y-shaped member configured to provide space for the knee to flex. In a fifth preferred embodiment, the knee brace includes a shock absorber support assembly configured to house the shock absorber coaxially with the lower strut. 
         [0015]    In operation, the individual puts on the specially designed shoe with the load bearing insert in the seated position. In this position the individual inserts the lower strut assembly boots onto the shoe support hinged pin. He can at this point strap the lower linkage to his calf with the strap provided by fastening snugly the straps fitted a fastener such as a buckle or Velcro. 
         [0016]    At this point he rolls the cuff detail snugly over his tight and fastens it tight with the two straps provided using the buckle or the Velcro fasteners. The axis of the clevis pin of the shock absorber should be a certain distance away from the natural axis of the knee based on the design of the exoskeletal brace. 
         [0017]    As the individual stands up he can feel the upper cuff snug up tight as the shock absorber is actuated and the return spring pushes the clevis end up. 
         [0018]    By walking back and forth the individual can feel the shock absorber absorb part of the load on the knee. This results in immediate relief from the pain as the femur and tibia contact is reduced. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    With reference to the attached drawings in which like reference numbers refer to like parts: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a representation of the human knee joint with the meniscus in between the femur and the tibia; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  show a representation of the “overcenter” linkage principle that is being used in this invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the first preferred embodiment of the knee brace with the strut support at the back of the leg; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the knee brace of  FIG. 4  in a straightened/standing position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the second preferred embodiment of the knee brace showing the lower limb having lateral supports; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the third preferred embodiment of the knee brace with the lower supports in front of the tibia; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the strap used to snug up the lower support assembly of the preferred rear support knee brace to the calf of the individual; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of the lower strut assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the lower strut assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the lower strut assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the upper sleeve assembly; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of the upper sleeve assembly taken along line  13 - 13 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the shock absorber; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the upper strut; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of the shoe sole insert of  FIGS. 4 and 5 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is an isometric view of the pin assembly; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of the pin support assembly; 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  shows an isometric view of a second lower attachment; 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  shows an isometric view of the shoe insert of the second and third preferred embodiment of the knee brace; 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  shows an isometric view of the optional comfort pad that is to be used along with the upper struts. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 22 and 23  show a representation of the magnified pivot point movement achieved with the upper struts used in the fourth and fifth preferred embodiment of the brace. 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  shows an isometric view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the knee brace; 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  is an isometric view of the shoe sole insert of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 26  is perspective view of the shoe sole insert of  FIG. 25  incorporated in a shoe. 
           [0044]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the lower strut assembly of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a shock absorber support assembly; 
           [0046]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view a bracket and the tube of the shock absorber support assembly; 
           [0047]      FIG. 30  is an isolated isometric view of a shock absorber; 
           [0048]      FIG. 31  shows an isometric view of the Y-shaped member; 
           [0049]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the upper sleeve assembly of the fourth preferred embodiment; 
           [0050]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the sleeve of  FIG. 32  laid flat; 
           [0051]      FIG. 34  is an end view of the same sleeve depicting the spacing allowed for the straps used to fasten the sleeve in place; 
           [0052]      FIG. 35   a  is an isolated view of one of the spacers; 
           [0053]      FIG. 35   b  is an isolated view of the other of the spacers; 
           [0054]      FIG. 36  is an isolated view of an upper strut; 
           [0055]      FIG. 37  is an isolated view of the fastening device for securing the sleeve; 
           [0056]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the first lower attachment used to fasten the Y-shaped member to the calf; 
           [0057]      FIG. 39  is an isometric view of the bar used to connect the two shock absorbers; 
           [0058]      FIG. 40  shows an isometric view of the boots; 
           [0059]      FIG. 41  is an isolated view of the collar that is attached to the Y-shaped member; 
           [0060]      FIG. 42  is an isolated view of a connector nut configured to receive the screw shown in  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a screw; 
           [0062]      FIG. 44  is an isometric view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the knee brace; 
           [0063]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the shoe assembly with the metal insert and the optional ankle strap anchor in place; 
           [0064]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view of the shoe sole insert that is made an integral part of the shoe; 
           [0065]      FIG. 47  is a perspective view of the anchor configured to attach to the shoe sole insert shown in  FIG. 45 ; 
           [0066]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the lower strut assembly showing the retainer; 
           [0067]      FIG. 49  is a perspective view of the shock absorber housing with the Y-shaped member inserted in the upper portion of the shock absorber housing; 
           [0068]      FIG. 50  is partial sectional view of  FIG. 49  taken along line A-A; 
           [0069]      FIG. 51  is an isometric view of the upper portion of the shock absorber housing with an opening designed to accept the cylindrical end of the Y-shaped member and the threaded lower end  21  designed to accept the shock absorber; 
           [0070]      FIG. 52  is a perspective view of the lower end of the shock absorber housing; 
           [0071]      FIG. 53  is an isometric view of the Y-shaped member; 
           [0072]      FIG. 54  is a perspective view of the first lower attachment; 
           [0073]      FIG. 55  is an isometric view of a boot  14 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 56  is a perspective view the connecting nut; 
           [0075]      FIG. 57  is a perspective view of the screw; 
           [0076]      FIG. 58  is an isolated isometric view of the spacer for use in the shock absorber assembly; 
           [0077]      FIG. 59  is an isometric view of the threaded bolt with the flat head used to retain the Y-shaped member inside the shock absorber housing as shown in  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0078]      FIG. 60  is an isometric view of the shock absorber; 
           [0079]      FIG. 61  is an isolated isometric view of the sleeve assembly with the upper struts in place as it would appear when fastened snugly with the straps to the thigh of the user; 
           [0080]      FIG. 62  is a perspective view of the sleeve assembly of  FIG. 61  but as it would appear in the usual flat unrolled position; 
           [0081]      FIG. 63  is an end view of the sleeve assembly of  FIG. 62 ; 
           [0082]      FIG. 64  is a perspective view of one of the spacers; 
           [0083]      FIG. 65  is a perspective view of the other spacer; 
           [0084]      FIG. 66  is an isometric view of the upper strut; 
           [0085]      FIG. 67  is a perspective view of the fastening device for securing the sleeve; and 
           [0086]      FIG. 68  is a perspective view of a comfort pad. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0087]      FIG. 1  shows a diagram of the lateral view of the human knee. The meniscus cartilage is represented in the cross sectional view as triangular bodies that help keep the femur and tibia in place and act as internal shock absorbers. The failure mode of the meniscus generally manifests in tears to the meniscus body which gradually deteriorates and the resulting contact between the femur and the tibia leads to sequence of events that cause a lot of pain and tend to force the afflicted individual to refrain from many of their normal ambulatory activities. 
         [0088]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show a diagram used to describe the overcenter linkage principle that is being used in the knee brace described herein. The overcenter linkage principle, utilizing the natural movement off the limbs, is being used to actuate the shock absorbers of the knee brace. The movement of the knee brace is illustrated by reference to the diagrams in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In these diagrams,  701  and  704  represent two points at which the knee brace is strapped to the limb: (1) the point in the thigh where the strap is attached; and (2) the point in the shoe where the lower strut is attached. The first pivot point of the brace is represented by  702  while  703  represents the natural center of the knee. With the individual in the seated position the length of the linkage  701 - 702 - 704  is greater that the length of the path in the leg  701 - 703 - 704 . 
         [0089]    Thus, when the individual stands up in the vertical position for instance, the movement of the leg forces the linkage  701 - 702 - 704  to decrease in length thereby forcing the shock absorber to close in until the new linkage length equals the length of the path in the leg  701 - 703 - 704 . In this position the shock absorber is primed for action and the return springs push up against upper sleeve as far as the fastening conditions permit. As the individual walks or runs the movement of the limbs introduces sufficient movement to the shock absorbers to elicit a force response which helps in reducing the load on the knee. The shock absorber may be configured to provide a force response directly proportional to the rate of change of position of its piston thus more vigorous and faster movements elicit a greater force response, and this helps reduce the load on the knee under shock conditions and faster movement conditions. 
         [0090]      FIG. 4  shows an isometric view of a first preferred embodiment of the exoskeletal load bearing, shock absorbing knee brace  10  with the individual in the seated position. The brace  10  includes an upper sleeve assembly  12 , a lower strut assembly  14  and a pair of shock absorbers  16 . The upper sleeve assembly  12  includes a sleeve  18  configured to engage the outer surface of the thigh portion of a leg. The lower strut assembly  14  is configured to engage the calf. The shock absorbers  16  are pivotably mounted to one of either the upper sleeve assembly  12  or the lower strut assembly  14  about a first pivot point  20 . The first pivot point  20  is positioned above the pivot point of the knee, indicated by  703  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , so as to actuate the pair of shock absorbers  16  to the decompressed position when the leg is articulated, thereby absorbing the shock imparted on the knee. 
         [0091]    The knee brace  10  may further include a load bearing shoe sole insert  22 . The shoe sole insert  22  is configured to be positioned within the shoe  24  of a user. The shoe sole insert  22  may be pivotably mounted to the lower strut assembly  14 . In a first preferred embodiment of the brace  10 , the shoe sole insert  22  is shown pivotably attached to a lower strut  26  at the back of the heel portion of the shoe sole insert  22 . However, it should be appreciated that the sole insert  22  may be pivotably attached to the lower strut assembly  14  about a point other than the back heel as described further below. 
         [0092]    The person who is to wear the brace  10  is not shown in the drawing but the position of the shoe sole insert  22  helps infer the actual position of the leg as it would be with the thigh wrapped with the sleeve  18 , and the calf is secured with a first lower attachment  28 , and the ankle, a second lower attachment  30 .  FIG. 5  shows an isometric view of the knee brace  10  in  FIG. 4  but with the individual in standing position with the wherein the first and lower attachments  28 ,  30  are straps that are wrapped around the calf and the ankle and the shock absorber in the compressed position as depicted by the shock absorber rod positions  322 . 
         [0093]    With reference now to  FIGS. 12 ,  13 , and  15  an illustrative view of the upper sleeve assembly  12  is provided. The upper sleeve assembly  12  is also shown as an isometric view in  FIG. 12 , and in a cross sectional view in  FIG. 13  demonstrating the design using a Velcro brand hook and loop fastener  75 . With reference first to  FIG. 13 , the sleeve  18  is a planar sheet of material with one end shown overlapping the other end so as to form to the thigh of a user. 
         [0094]    With reference now to  FIGS. 12 and 15 , the upper sleeve assembly  12  includes a pair of upper struts  32  spaced apart from each other. The upper struts  32  are a generally elongated member include a plurality of holes  34 , a lower end of the struts include a lower attachment  36  having a through-hole  36   a  for which a pin  38  may be mounted so as to pivotably attach the upper struts  32  to a respective shock absorber  16  as shown in  FIGS. 4-7 . The sleeve  18  is fixedly mounted to a respective upper strut  32 . With reference specifically to  FIG. 12 , a fastener  40 , such as a tab, may be used to attach the sleeve  18  to a respective upper strut  32  by inserting the tab through upper strut hole  34  (shown in  FIG. 15 ) and engaging the sleeve  18 . The sleeve  18  is made out of a flat material that is strong, flexible and light. One end of the sleeve  18  overlaps the other and the sleeve  18  may be secured to the thigh by the use of a fastening device  73 , shown as a pair of straps. 
         [0095]    The upper struts  32  are fastened to the sleeve  18  is such a manner that when the sleeve  18  is wrapped around the thigh of the individual the upper struts  32  present the lower attachment  36  (shown in  FIGS. 12 and 15 ), shown as clevis ends for insertion of the pins  38  to enable a pivotal connection to the rod end  28  of the shock absorbers  16 , also shown in isolation in  FIG. 14 . The upper strut  32  in  FIG. 15  also is provided with comfort pad holes  42  for the attachment of optional comfort pads  44  shown in isolation in  FIG. 20 , by use of the pad fastener  46  (shown in  FIG. 21 ). With reference also to  FIG. 13 , a cross sectional view of the sleeve assembly  12  is provided.  FIG. 20  shows an upper fastening device  48 , shown as straps  48 , wrapped around the upper struts  32  which are fastened to the sleeve  18  using fastener  40 . Once the sleeve  18  is fitted around the thigh, the sleeve  18  can be held snugly in place by use of a fastener  50 , shown as Velcro fasteners. 
         [0096]    The sleeve  18  is to be made of a strong yet flexible material such a 4 ply food conveyor belting material lined suitably with a soft yet somewhat sticky layer for comfort of the user. The sleeve  18  is to be wrapped around the thigh or upper limb in a shape that is conical as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6  and  8 . The sleeve  18  includes an upper opening opposite a lower opening, wherein the upper opening is larger in diameter than the lower opening so as to fit the shape of the average human thigh. In  FIG. 21 ,  44  represents the soft yet durable part of the comfort pad that is to be adjusted to push comfortably against the upper leg of the individual. 
         [0097]      FIG. 4  also shows the shock absorber  16  provided externally with a vertical position mounting adjustment mechanism in the form of a threaded body  52  and a nut  54  as shown in the isolated view in  FIG. 14 . It should be appreciated that the rotation of the nut  54  about the threaded body  52  displaces the shock absorber  16  axially with respect to the lower strut assembly as shown in  FIG. 4 . The shock absorber  16  may include a drive shaft  16   a.  The top end of the drive shaft  16   a  is pivotably mounted to attachment  36 . The shock absorber  16  is to move between a compressed and decompressed position. The shock absorber  16  may include a biasing member (not shown) configured to urge the shock absorber  16  into the decompressed position. For instance, the shock absorber may include a spring, the spring may be internal or external to the shock absorber and when the shock absorber is placed in the compressed position, the spring pushes the legs of the shock absorber into the decompressed position. As the lower strut assembly  14  is pivotably mounted to the upper strut  32 , the upper strut  32  presses upwardly against the sleeve  18  urging the sleeve  18  into engagement with the thigh. 
         [0098]    The lower strut assembly  14  further includes a retaining sleeve  56  configured to hold each of the pair of shock absorbers  16 . With reference to  FIGS. 4 ,  7  and  9  the retaining sleeve  56  is a generally cylindrical body having a bore configured to receive the shock absorbers  16  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . The lower strut assembly  14  includes a calf support  58  having a semicircular dimension, and a pair of posts  60  mounted to opposing sides of the calf support  58 . The calf support  58  is fixedly mounted to a top end of the lower strut  26  by welding or other means of fixed attachment. 
         [0099]    With reference now to  FIGS. 4 ,  9  and  17 , the lower strut  26  may be pivotably mounted to a back end portion of the heel  62  of the shoe sole insert  22 . The shoe sole insert  22  includes pin support assembly  64 , the pin support assembly  64  includes a base  66  that is generally cross shaped in dimension. The base  66  includes a back support  68  having a pair of supports  70  spaced apart from each other, each support  70  having a hole  70   a  which are axially aligned with each other. A lower fastener support member  72  may be integrally disposed above the support and include a hole  72   a  on each end for which the second lower attachment  30  may be mounted. A forward planar member  66   a  of the base is adapted to be mounted to the shoe sole insert support  74 , the shoe sole insert support  74  being adapted to support the foot of a user. The shoe sole insert support  74  includes a heel portion  62  located at the back of the shoe sole insert support  74  and configured to support the heel of a user, as well as a front portion generally dimensioned to support the toes of the user. The forward planar member  66   a  of the base  66  may be inserted to the heel portion  62  of the shoe sole insert support  74 , wherein the back support  68  is exposed and generally orthogonal to the plane of the shoe sole insert support  74 . 
         [0100]    With reference now to  FIG. 17 , a pin assembly  76  is provided. The pin assembly  76  includes a pin  78  and is pivotably mounted to the back support  68  of the pin assembly support  64 . The pin  78  is fixedly mounted on a pin base  80 . The pin base  80  includes a hole  80   a  defining an opening on opposite sides of the pin base  80 . The pin base  80  is disposed between the pair of back supports  70 , wherein the hole  80   a  is aligned with the hole  70   a  of the support  70  wherein a pin is inserted through holes  80   a  and  70   a  so as to pivotably attach the pin base  80  to the insert  22 . The lower strut  26  includes a tube  26   a  configured to engage the pin  78 . As shown in the drawings, the pin base is dimensioned so as to be limited in its rotation about pin  171 . 
         [0101]    With reference first to  FIG. 9 , a lower strut assembly  14  is provided. The lower strut assembly  14  includes a lower strut  26  having a top end and a bottom end. The lower strut  26  is made of a strong yet light material. The calf support  58  is fixedly disposed on the top end of the lower strut  26  and a tube  26   f  with an open end  26   g  is fixedly disposed on the bottom end. The open end  26   b  is configured to receive the pin  78  and the tube  26   a  is dimensioned to slidingly engage the pin  78  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0102]    With reference also to  FIG. 17 , the open end  26   b  is configured to engage the pin  78  of the pin assembly  76 . The shoe insert  22  is thus pivotably attached to the lower strut  26  as the base  66  is fixed within the shoe sole insert  22 . The pin  78  is pivotably mounted within the support  70 , and the pin base  80  is dimensioned such that the pin  78  has a limited amount of movement around the axis of the clevis pin hole  70   a  of the support  70 . 
         [0103]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , the pin base  80  includes a back wall  80   b  which is generally planar and abuts against a front surface of the back support  68  so as to limit the rotation of the pin  78 . The pin base  80  further includes a shoulder  80   c.  The shoulder  80   c  is load bearing and supports the load of the lower strut  26 . The bottom end of the pin base  80  is rounded so as to provide for limited rotation of the pin  78 . 
         [0104]    With reference now to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  9 ,  18  and  19 , the lower strut assembly  14  may further include a first lower attachment  28  and a second lower attachment  30 . The first lower attachment  28  is disposed above the second lower attachment  30  and is configured to engage the calf so as to secure the lower strut assembly  14  to the calf. For illustrative purposes the first and second lower attachments  28 ,  30  are shown as a strap. With reference specifically to  FIG. 9 , the lower strut  26  includes a hole  27  configured to attach the first lower attachment  28  (shown as a strap). With reference also to  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  8 , a fastener  28   c  is used to attach the midsection of the first lower attachment  28  to the lower strut  26  through the hole  27 . The free ends of the strap  28  may include a fastener  28   a  such as Velcor® to secure the strap over the calf of the user. 
         [0105]    With reference now to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  18  and  19  the second lower attachment  30  is provided. The second lower attachment  30  is configured to engage the foot of the user so as to secure the shoe sole insert  22  to the foot. With reference specifically to  FIG. 18 , the pin support assembly  64  of the shoe sole insert  22  is provided. The lower fastener support member  72  is shown as an elongated and planar member disposed along an axis generally orthogonal to the lower strut  26 . The lower fastener support member  72  may be integrally formed above the support  70  and includes a pair of holes  72   a  disposed on respective ends for which the second lower attachment  30  may be mounted. 
         [0106]    The second lower attachment  30  is shown as a strap, having a fastener  30   a  configured to engage a respective hole  72   a  of the lower fastener support member  72 . The fastener  30   a  is shown as a tab disposed on one end of the second lower attachment  30 . The other end of the second lower attachment  30  includes a fastener  30   b  configured to retain the strap  30  over the foot thereby securing the shoe sole insert  22  to the foot. The straps  30  may be mounted over the ankle of the user to secure the foot to the shoe sole insert  22 . It should be appreciated that the straps may be configured such that the free ends of the respective straps  16  are engaged to each other. 
         [0107]      FIG. 4  also shows the insert  22  shaped as the sole of a shoe. The sole represents the position of the foot of the individual and a detailed isometric view of the same sole is shown in  FIG. 16 . The sole may be made of a customary shoe sole material such as rubber or leather or a synthetic composite material.  FIG. 16  shows how the shoe insert  22  made of a strong load bearing material such as a light metal or high density plastic, is to be incorporated in the heel of the sole of the shoe. It is to be inserted in the middle of the heel and fixed in place so that it becomes an integral part of the sole. 
         [0108]      FIG. 4  also shows the soft contact liner  82  attached to the lower strut  26  fixedly layered on the calf support  58  depicted in  FIG. 9 . It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the brace  10  may be customized to the dimensional requirements of individual users so as to maximize the shock absorber impact. 
         [0109]    With reference now to  FIG. 6  a second preferred embodiment of the brace  10 , wherein like elements are referenced by like numbers increased by  100 , adapted to be used with a shoe sole insert  122  having a pair of upwardly extending arms  84  is provided. The pair of upwardly extending arms  84  is rigidly fixed to the shoe sole insert  122 . The shoe sole insert  122  made of a strong load bearing material as described above. Each of the pair of upwardly extending arms  84  is pivotably connected to the lower strut  126 . The shoe sole insert  122  includes a base  88 , dimensioned to support the foot of a user. In the second embodiment, the upper sleeve assembly  112  is pivotably connected to a pair of shock absorbers  116  in the same manner as described above. 
         [0110]    With reference again to  FIG. 6  and also to  FIG. 11 , the lower strut assembly  114  includes a pair of lower struts  126 . The lower struts  126  have a top end  126   a  and a bottom end  126   b.  The lower struts  126  are generally axial and are spaced apart from each other so as to be disposed on opposite sides of the calf. The top end  126   a  of each of the pair of lower struts  126  is mounted to a respective one of the pair of shock absorbers  116 . The pair of lower struts  126  include retaining sleeves  156  disposed on the top end  126   a.  The retaining sleeves  156  are configured to hold the shock absorbers  116  in place. The retaining sleeve  156  may include a threaded bore configured to threadedly engage a threaded body of the shock absorber  116 . 
         [0111]    With reference again to  FIGS. 6 and 11 , also to  FIG. 20 , the bottom end  126   b  of the lower struts  126  are attached via a pivot pin  90  to the shoe insert  122 . An example of the pivot arrangement is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 11 , wherein the shoe sole insert  122  includes a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending arms  84 . The brace  110  is configured to slide on and engage the upwardly extending arms  84 . The arms  84  include a hole  84   a  configured to retain a pivot pin  90 . A connecting member  92  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) is pivotably connected to a respective arm  84  via pivot pin  90 , and the bottom end  126   b  of the lower strut  126  may include a slot (not shown) configured to slide on to the connecting member. 
         [0112]    Taken into consideration  FIGS. 11 , and  20 , it should be appreciated that the brace  110  of the second preferred embodiment provides for the same pivot point as the brace  10  of the first preferred embodiment. Specifically, the pivot  20 ,  120  point with respect to the upper sleeve assemblies  12 ,  112  and the lower strut assemblies  14 ,  114  of both braces  10 ,  110  is above the natural pivot point of the knee. However, the pivot points of the shoe inserts  22 ,  122  with respect to the lower struts  26 ,  126  is different. Namely, pivot point of the shoe sole insert  122  relative to the lower strut  126  of the second preferred embodiment is above the arch of the foot, as opposed to the first preferred embodiment wherein the pivot point of the shoe sole insert  22  relative to the lower strut  26  is at the heel. Further, the brace  110  of the second embodiment provides for greater lateral stability as there are two lower struts  126  supporting opposite sides of the calf. 
         [0113]    With reference now to  FIGS. 7 and 10  a third preferred embodiment of the brace  10  is provided wherein like elements are referenced by like numbers increased by  200 . The brace  210  adapted to be used with a shoe sole insert  222  having a pair of upwardly extending arms  284  is provided. The pair of upwardly extending arms  284  is rigidly fixed to the shoe sole insert  222 . The shoe sole insert  222  is made of a strong load bearing material as described above. Each of the pair of upwardly extending arms  284  is pivotably connected to the lower strut  226 . The shoe sole insert  222  includes a base  288  dimensioned to support the foot of a user. In the third preferred embodiment, the upper sleeve assembly  212  is pivotably connected to a pair of shock absorbers  216  in the same manner as described above. 
         [0114]    In the third preferred embodiment, the knee brace  210  includes a lower strut assembly  214  configured to be positioned in front of the lower leg. An isolated isometric view of the lower strut assembly  214  is also being shown in  FIG. 10 . The lower strut assembly  214  includes a calf support  258  having a contoured profile, a lower strut  226 , and a retainer  94 . The lower strut  226  is a generally elongated and rigid member having a top end  226   a  and a bottom end  226   b.  Though the lower strut  226  is shown as being three elongated members  226   c,    226   d ,  226   e  spaced apart and parallel to each other, it should be appreciated that the number of the elongated members is provided for illustrative purposes and is not limiting to the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0115]    The lower strut assembly  14  further includes a pair of retaining sleeves  256  are disposed one opposite ends of the calf support  258 . The calf support  258  is disposed on the top end  226   a  of the lower struts  226 . The retainer  94  is disposed at the bottom end  226   b  of the lower strut  226 . The retainer  94  is arched so as to go around the ankle. The ends of the retainer  94  are pivotably connected to a respective boot  96  configured to engage a respective upwardly extending arm  284  so as to position the lower strut  226  in front of the calf of the user. The upwardly extending arms  284  may include a hole  284   a  for which the second lower attachment  230  may be pivotably mounted to so as to secure the foot to the shoe sole insert  222 . 
         [0116]    With reference now to  FIGS. 24-43 , a fourth preferred embodiment of the knee brace  10 , wherein like elements are referenced with like numbers increased by  300 , is provided. The fourth embodiment utilizes the same principal of overcenter wherein the first pivot point  320  of the knee brace  310  is displaced above the natural pivot point of the user&#39;s knee. It is a further objective of the fourth preferred embodiment of the knee brace  310  to position the shock absorbers  316  so as to not interfere or rub against the leg of the user. It is another object of the fourth preferred embodiment of the knee brace  310  to position the upper struts  332  in alignment with the femur. 
         [0117]      FIG. 22  and  FIG. 23  show the methodology and design used to enable the overcenter principle to be used in a repeatable and reproducible manner, in the face of individual leg and knee size and shape variations.  FIG. 23  shows the individual in the sitting position with  101  representing the thigh,  102  representing the lower leg  105  and the shoe  24 . The first pivot point of the linkage is represented by  320  on the upper strut  332  attached to the sleeve  318  wrapped around the thigh  101 . A portion of the upper strut  332  is positioned with respect to the center of rotation of the knee  105 , such that as the individual stands up the upper portion of the upper strut  332  rotates along with the center of rotation of the knee and the pivot point  320  effectively travels a distance represented by “d”. As long as this movement is repeatably available to actuate the shock absorbers  316 , the brace  310  can be adjusted to provide the desired force response in a reproducible and repeatable manner from day to day and from individual to individual. 
         [0118]    Another aspect of this design is that when the upper struts  332  are aligned with the axis of the thigh and the pivot point is positioned as described with respect to the center of rotation of the knee, the lateral forces experienced by the device are reduced to an acceptable level. 
         [0119]      FIG. 24  shows an isolated isometric view of the preferred exoskeletal, load bearing, shock absorbing knee brace  310  as it would be with the individual in the seated position. The knee brace  310  is configured to be worn on a leg and designed to support a knee principally by reducing the load on the knee and absorbing peak shock loads when the leg is articulated. The knee brace  310  is coupled to both a thigh and a calf of a user. The knee brace  310  includes an upper sleeve assembly  312  having a sleeve  318  configured to engage the thigh. 
         [0120]    The knee brace  310  further includes a lower strut assembly  314  configured to engage the calf, and a pair of shock absorbers  316 . Each of the shock absorbers  316  are moveable between a compressed and decompressed position. The pair of shock absorbers  316  is mechanically connected to both the upper sleeve assembly  312  and the lower strut assembly  314 . The upper sleeve assembly  312  and lower strut assembly  314  are pivotable relative to each other about a first pivot point  320 . The first pivot point  320  is above and forward of a pivot point of a bent knee so as to actuate the pair of shock absorbers  316  to the compressed position when the upper sleeve  318  is pivoted relative to lower strut assembly  314  by the articulation of the leg, the knee brace  310  absorbing the shock imparted on the knee. 
         [0121]    With reference again to  FIG. 24 , and also to  FIGS. 28 ,  29  and  30 , the lower strut assembly  314  further includes a shock absorber support assembly  98 . The shock absorber support assembly  98  includes a tube  101 , a bracket  103 , a biasing member  105 , and a Y-shaped member  107 . 
         [0122]    The lower strut assembly  314  further includes a lower strut  326 . The lower strut  326  is a generally elongated and rigid member having a top end opposite a bottom end. The tube  101  is dimensioned to cover a bottom portion of the lower strut  326  wherein a top end of the lower strut  326  is exposed. The biasing member  105  is disposed on a top end of the tube  101 . 
         [0123]    With reference now to  FIGS. 24 ,  25 , and  26  the knee brace  310  may further include a load bearing shoe sole insert  322  configured to be positioned within a shoe  324  of a user, the load bearing shoe sole insert  322  including a base  388  configured to support the foot and pivotably attached to the bottom end of the lower strut  326 . The lower strut assembly  314  further includes a retainer  394  disposed on a bottom end  326   b  of the lower strut  326 . The load bearing shoe insert  322  includes a pair of upwardly extending arms  384  disposed on opposite sides of the base  388 . The pair of upwardly extending arms  384  are rigid and generally orthogonal to the base  388 . The ends of the retainer  394  are pivotably mounted to a respective pair of upwardly extending arms  384  so as to position the lower strut  326  in front of the calf of the user. The retainer  394  is an arched member and further includes a pair of boots  396  pivotably mounted to opposing side ends of the retainer  394 , each of the boots  396  includes a bore  396   a  disposed at the bottom end of a respective boot  396 . The bore  396   a  is dimensioned to sliding engage a respective pair of upwardly extending arm  384 . Accordingly, the boot  396  is detachably engaged with a respective one of the pair of upwardly extending arms  384 . 
         [0124]    The bracket  103  is fixedly mounted to the tube  101  and is configured to hold the pair of shock absorbers  316 . The bracket  103  is shown as a generally planar member with a pair of openings dimensioned to fit a bottom end of the shock absorber  316 . The bracket  103  is mounted to the tube  101  so as to position the shock absorbers  316  in front of a tibia. 
         [0125]    With reference again to  FIG. 24  and also to  FIG. 31 , an illustrative view of the Y-shaped member  107  is provided. The Y-shaped member  107  includes a stem  107   a  and a pair of prongs  107   b  extending from the stem  107   a.  The stem  107   a  is a generally rigid and cylindrical member. A collar  109  is fixedly mounted onto the stem  107   a  and generally delineates a top portion of the stem  107   a  from a bottom portion of the stem  107   a.    
         [0126]    The prongs  107   b  are shown as a generally elongated and planar member, each disposed on opposite sides of the stem  107   a  and extend away from each other so as to provide space for a bent knee. The ends of the prongs  107   b  are pivotably mounted to the upper sleeve assembly  312 . The prongs  107   b  may include a twist, wherein one end of the prong is twisted about an axis of the body of the prong. The bottom end of the stem  107   a  includes a bore  107   d  dimensioned to engage the top end  326   a  of the lower strut  326  wherein the shock absorbers  316  and biasing member  105  are operative to urge the stem  107   a  upwards relative to the bottom end  326   b  of the lower strut  26 . 
         [0127]    The person who is to wear the brace  310  is not shown in the view but it can be seen that the individual would lace on the shoes  324 , engage the extending arms  384  of the shoe insert  322  with the boots  396  pivotally mounted on the retainer  394 . The individual would proceed to tighten the first lower attachment  328  around his calf just below the knee. At this point he would roll the sleeve  318  around his thigh and wrap it snug tight with the fastening device  373 , shown as two straps provided with Velcro fasteners. The adjustments available to the individual will be described at a later stage, so at this point the individual knows that the device has been adjusted to his particular requirements. 
         [0128]    It is noted that has he stands up the Y-shaped member  107 , pivotally connected to the upper struts  332  which are attached to sleeve  318 , slides down on the lower strut  326  that is fixedly mounted to the retainer  394 . The Y-shaped member  107  is designed to rotate freely and move up and down the top end portion of the lower strut  326  so as not to restrict the angular movement of the foot of the individual. 
         [0129]    Depending upon the adjustments, at some point before the individual is fully standing, the Y-shaped member  107  starts making contact with the shock absorber  316 , which is positioned in front of the tibia minimizing the potential for interference with the other leg or the even the device on the other leg, should the individual require a device on each of his legs. 
         [0130]    With reference again to  FIG. 28  we can see the shock absorbers  316  fixedly mounted on bracket  103  such that the nut  111  and the threads on the body of the shock absorber  316  can be used to adjust the axial position of the shock absorber  316  as required. The detailed view of the shock absorber  316  is also shown in  FIG. 30 . 
         [0131]      FIG. 29  provides an isolated view of the tube  101 , with the biasing member  105  mounted to a top end of the tube  101  and the bracket  103  fixedly mounted to the tube  101 . The tube  101  is dimensioned to provide a close fit with lower strut  326  mentioned earlier. The shock absorbers  316  are connected in a load bearing manner by a bar  113  (shown in  FIGS. 28 and 39 ) held in place with screws  115 . Even though these shock absorbers  316  are provided with internal return springs an additional biasing member  105  external to the lower strut  326  is provided to help keep the sleeve  318  pushed up against the thigh and with additional static load support. 
         [0132]      FIG. 28  taken together with  FIG. 24  show the lower strut  326  on which the shock absorber  316  is positioned in a fixed manner by the bracket  103  so that any force exerted on bar  113  can be transferred to the ground via the lower strut  326 , the retainer  394  and the shoe  324 . The lower end of the Y-shaped member  107  can be seen coaxial to the lower strut  326  and free to move up and down within the constraints provided. The collar  109  can be moved and locked in position on the lower end of the Y-shaped member  107 , and it is this collar  109  that engages the bar  113  as the individual walks or runs and transfers the load from the downwardly projecting collar  109  onto the bar  113 . 
         [0133]      FIGS. 32 through 37  and  42 - 43  depict the thigh sleeve  318  and its components.  FIG. 33  shows the construction technique of one preferred design. The sleeve  318  is made out of a strong yet flexible material and may include an inner liner  318   a  that comes in contact with the skin and accordingly made of non-allergenic strong and soft material designed for user comfort.  FIG. 33  also depicts the construction technique used to attach the upper struts  332  also shown in detail in  FIG. 36 . The upper struts  332  include an elongated body and a bottom end  332   a  which is angled relative to the elongated body. The bottom end  332   a  may be angled  45  degrees relative to the axis of the upper elongated body  332   b  of the upper strut. The bottom end  332   a  includes a hole  332   c  for pivotable connection to the prongs  407   b.  Connector nut  117  shown in  FIG. 42  and screws  119  shown in  FIG. 43  are used to assemble the sleeve  318  and the upper struts  332  using the spacer  121   a,  and retaining bracket  121   b  as shown in the end view presented in  FIG. 34  so that the straps  373  built with Velcro fasteners  373   a  can be used to retain the rolled up sleeve  318  as shown in  FIG. 32 . 
         [0134]    Turning our attention to  FIGS. 25 and 26  we see the shoe insert  322 . The shoe insert  322  includes a pair of upwardly extending arms  384 . The upwardly extending arms  384  are also provided with threaded holes  384   a  for use with additional support straps in case those are desired for extra active applications.  FIG. 26  depicts a shoe  24  with the insert  322  made an integral part such that only the upwardly extending arms  384  are visible and available to support the knee brace  310 . 
         [0135]      FIG. 27  shows a subassembly of the lower strut assembly  314 , with the lower strut  326  made integral to the retainer  394 . The boots  396  designed to closely fit over the extending arms  384  of the shoe sole insert  322  described above are pivotally attached to the ends of the retainer  394  using pivot pin  390  secured within a hole via fastener  390   a.  The design of this subassembly supports the objective of providing freedom of movement along all axes. The lower strut  326  includes a shoulder  123  which is configured to support the shock absorber support assembly  98 , and fastener  125  is configured to retain the lower strut  326  within the stem  107   a  of the Y-shaped member  107 . 
         [0136]      FIG. 31  depicts an isometric view of the Y-shaped member. The prongs  107   b  include holes  107   c  disposed adjacent the distal end. The prongs  107   b  are pivotally connected to the upper struts  332  inserting fasteners, such as nut  117  and screw  115 , through holes  107   c  and holes  332   c  of the bottom end  332   a  of the upper strut  332 . The lower end of the prongs  107   b  are fixedly connected by welding to the stem  107   a.  The stem  107   a  is tubular and configured to freely move up and down the upper portion of the lower strut  326  described above. The collar  109  can be locked in a given position on the stem  107   a,  as required, by using the set screw  127  shown in  FIG. 41 . 
         [0137]    The collar  109  makes contact with the shock absorber support assembly  98  and provides the required shock absorber actuation movement. As the stem  107   a  slides up and down the upper portion of the lower strut  326 , the end of the stem  107   a  comes in contact with the spring  105 . The dimensions of stem  107   a  and the upper portion of the lower strut  326  are such that the spring  105  bottoms up before the shock absorber  316  reaches the bottom of the stroke. This can also help maximize load transfer through the brace  310  bypassing the knee joint at the bottom of the stroke. 
         [0138]    With reference again to  FIG. 31  and also now to  FIG. 38 , the shock absorber support assembly  98  may further a first lower attachment  328 . The first lower attachment  328  is configured to engage the calf so as to secure the lower strut assembly  314  and the shock absorber support assembly  98  to the calf. With reference again to  FIG. 38 , the first lower attachment  328  is shown as a strap. The strap  328  may be mounted to the Y-shaped member  107  with the spacer  129  using the holes  107   d  and fasteners  115  and is configured to allow the user a comfortable, repetitively accurate connection. With reference again to  FIG. 38 , the strap  328  may include a fastener  328   a  such as Velcro. 
         [0139]    With reference now to  FIGS. 44-68 , a fifth preferred embodiment of the knee brace  410 , wherein like elements are referenced with like numbers increased by  400 , is provided. The fifth preferred embodiment utilizes the same principal of overcenter wherein the pivot point of the knee brace  410  is displaced above the natural pivot point of the user knees. It is a further objective of the fifth preferred embodiment of the knee brace  410  to provide a streamlined shock absorber that also provides substantial and very desirable weight reduction. Further, the fifth preferred embodiment provides a knee brace  410  wherein when the upper struts  432  are aligned with the axis of the thigh and the pivot point is positioned as described with respect to the center of rotation of the knee, the lateral or transverse forces experienced by the device at the sleeve  418  are minimized. 
         [0140]    With reference first to  FIGS. 44 ,  49 ,  50  the lower strut assembly  414  includes a lower strut  426 . The lower strut  426  is a generally elongated rigid member having a top end  426   a.  The shock absorber support assembly  498  includes a shock absorber housing  131  and a Y-shaped member  507 . The shock absorber housing  131  includes a top portion  131   a  and a bottom portion  131   b . The Y-shaped member  507  has a stem  507   a,  and a pair of prongs  507   b.  The pair of prongs  507   b  extend from the stem  507   a  and away from each other so as to provide space for a bent knee. A distal end of each the prong  507   b  is pivotably mounted to the upper sleeve assembly  412 . A proximal end of the pair of prongs  507   b  include an attachment surface having a through hole  507   c  for supporting a fastening device  484 , shown as a strap. The proximal ends of the pair of prongs  507   b  are fixedly attached to opposite sides of the stem  507   a.  The stem  507   a  includes a bottom end  507   d  is configured to engage the shock absorber  416 . For example, the bottom end  507   d  of the stem  507   a  may include a bore  507   d  configured to receive the head of a screw  133  (shown in  FIG. 59 ), the neck  133   a  of the screw  133  mounted within the bore  507   d . The screw  133  is fixed to the top of the shock absorber  416  so as to drive the shock absorber. The top portion  131   a  of the shock absorber housing  131  includes a shoulder  135  having an opening  137  configured to fit the bottom end of the stem  507   a.  The shock absorber  416  is positioned between the stem  507   a  and the lower strut  426 , wherein the shock absorber, stem  507   a  and lower strut  426  are coaxial with each other. 
         [0141]    The shock absorber  416  represented in  FIG. 60  is positioned inside of the shock absorber housing  131 . The shock absorber  416  includes a threaded end  416   a,  and the bottom portion  131   b  of the shock absorber housing  131  includes a threaded bore dimensioned to threadedly engage the threaded end  416   a  of the shock absorber so as to provide an axial tolerance. The bottom portion  131   b  of the shock absorber housing  131  is depicted in  FIG. 52  and the threads  131   c  may be threadedly engaged with a portion of the threaded end  416   a  of the shock absorber  416 . The remaining portion of the threaded end  416   a  of the shock absorber  416  may be threadedly engaged with the threaded end  131   d  of top portion  131   a  so as to form the shock absorber housing  131  as shown in  FIG. 49  and  FIG. 50 . The Shock absorber  416  also shows the biasing member  505  and a shock resistant load cap  139  in place. 
         [0142]    The shock absorber support assembly  498  represented in  FIG. 60  may be tuned for a load response configured to support the weight of its user. Further, the shock absorber housing  131  may be dimensioned to take into consideration packaging constraints. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the exact dimensions provided herein are for illustrative purposes and are not limiting to the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0143]    The bottom portion  131   b  of the shock absorber housing  131  is assembled to the lower strut  426 , the lower strut  426  is fixedly mounted to a retainer  494  shown in  FIG. 48 . The bottom portion of the shock absorber housing  131  may be threadedly engaged to the lower strut  426  shock by use of internal threads  131   d  designed to correspond to the threads of the retainer  494  shown in  FIG. 48 . This threaded connection is designed to provide a fine height adjustment to accommodate individual user requirements. Lock nut  141  is to be firmly tightened to lock the assembly in the desired position. 
         [0144]    The cylindrical end of the Y-shaped member  507  is designed to rotate freely and move up and down in the head unit  133  of the shock absorber housing  131 . This unencumbered rotational movement ensures the freedom of angular movement of the foot of the user. The up and down movement is used to actuate the shock absorber. 
         [0145]    The contact point between the Y-shaped member  507  and the shock absorber  416  is controlled by use of the head unit  133  and spacer  143  used to assemble the Y-shaped member  507  to the shock absorber  416  as shown in sectional view  FIG. 50 . Also the position of the shock absorber  416  in the shock absorber housing  131  can be controlled by varying the position of the shock absorber  416  with respect to the threaded ends of the top and bottom portions  131   a ,  131   b  of the shock absorber housing  131  shown in  FIG. 51  and  FIG. 52 . 
         [0146]    Depending upon the adjustments, at some point before the individual is fully standing, the Y-shaped member  507  starts making contact with the shock absorber support assembly  498  and the load transfer begins. 
         [0147]      FIG. 61  depicts the upper sleeve assembly  412 .  FIGS. 62 and 63  show the construction technique of one preferred design. The sleeve  418  is made out of a strong yet flexible material. A contact liner  482  is disposed on the surface that comes in contact with the skin and accordingly is made of non-allergenic strong and soft material designed for user comfort. The shape of the sleeve  418  is mainly dictated by load transfer capabilities and the positioning requirement of the upper struts  432  that have to be parallel to axis of the thigh and positioned symmetrically on opposite sides for optimum comfort and load transfer. The dimensions of the inner liner  482  are slightly larger than the dimensions of the sleeve  418  to which it is glued, thus the contact liner  482  protects the user from any harsh contacts with the edges of the sleeve  418 . The upper struts  432  include an elongated body and a bottom end  432   a  which is angled relative to the elongated body. The bottom end  432   a  may be angled 45 degrees relative to the axis of the upper elongated body  432   b  of the upper strut. The bottom end  432   a  includes a hole  432   c  for pivotable connection to the prongs  507   b.    
         [0148]      FIG. 63  also depicts the construction technique used to attach the upper struts  432  also shown in detail in  FIG. 66 . Connector nut  517  shown in  FIG. 56  and screws  519  shown in  FIG. 57  are used to assemble the sleeve  418  and the upper struts  432  using the spacers  521   a  (see  FIG. 64 ) and retaining bracket  521   b  (see  FIG. 65 ) as shown in the end view presented in  FIG. 63 . It should be noted that the retainer retaining bracket  521   b  is not visible in this view as it is covered by the contact liner  482  to avoid harsh contact with the skin of the user. The fastening device  473  shown in  FIG. 67  are anchored around the around the upper struts  432  when retaining the sleeve  418  around the thigh of the user. Nut  145  includes a pin head  145   a  which is also used to connect in a pivotal manner the Y-shaped member  507  to the upper struts  432  of the upper sleeve assembly  412  shown in  FIG. 61 . 
         [0149]    Turning our attention to  FIG. 46 , the shoe sole insert  422  is provided. The shoe sole insert  422  is configured to support the knee brace  410  on the upwardly extending arms  484 . The upwardly extending arms  484  can also provided with threaded holes for use with additional support straps in case those are desired for extra active applications. The shoe sole insert  422  may further include a small threaded hole  422   a  designed to retain fixedly the small anchor  147  shown in  FIG. 46 . The anchor  147  may be used in concert with the second lower attachment  430 , shown as a strap in  FIG. 54 . The anchor  147  may provide further stability for extra vigorous activities. The second lower attachment  35  is to be wrapped snugly around the ankle of the user. 
         [0150]      FIG. 48  is an embodiment of the lower strut assembly  414 , showing the lower strut  426 , retainer  494  and boots  496 . The lower strut  426  is made integral to the retainer  494  by welding. The boots  496  include a bore  496   a  designed to closely fit over the upwardly extending arms  484  of the shoe sole insert  422  described above. The boots  496  are pivotally attached to the ends of the retainer  494  using the connecting nut  517  shown in  FIG. 56  and retained with the a round head screw  519  shown in  FIG. 57  which are mounted through hole  496   b.  The design of this subassembly supports the objective of providing freedom of movement along all axes. Specifically the boots  496  being free to slide up and down the upwardly extending arms  484  of the shoe sole inserts  422  provide vertical freedom of movement. The pivotally connected boots  496  by connector nuts  517  and screws  519  provide the angular movement freedom for the foot. The boot  496  is also configured to withstand the maximum load being transferred. Another feature of the boot  496  is the semicircular outer shape that helps minimize contact snags when an individual requires kneebooster devices on both his legs and the shoes on the right and left foot accidentally come in contact while in motion. 
         [0151]      FIG. 53  depicts an isometric view of the Y-shaped member  507  that is to be pivotally connected through holes  507   c  using connector nuts  517  and screws  519  previously described to the upper sleeve assembly  412 . The prongs  507   b  are integrally formed to the stem  507   a  by welding or other means. 
         [0152]    Returning to  FIG. 53  and the Y-shaped member  507  includes a first lower attachment support  149 . The first lower attachment support  149  is dimensioned to support a first lower attachment  428 , shown in  FIG. 54  as a strap. The first lower attachment support  149  is shown as a pair of planar member  149   a  disposed on opposite sides of an upper portion of the stem  507   a.  Each of the planar members  149   a  includes an opening  149   b  dimensioned to receive the first lower attachment  428 , the opening  149   b  defining a side edge  149   c.  Thus, the first lower attachment  428 , shown as a strap in  FIG. 54 , may be mounted to the first lower attachment support  149 , securing the calf and the Y-shaped member together by a fastener  428   a,  shown as Velcro in  FIG. 54 . A comfort pad  444  also shown in isolation in  FIG. 68 , may be mounted to the first lower attachment support  149 . The comfort pad  444  may be centered along the axis of the stem  507   a  and retained fixedly in to the first lower attachment support  149  by use of suitable glue or other adequate means. 
         [0153]      FIG. 54  depicts an embodiment of the first lower attachment  428  as being a flexible strap provided with the comfort liner  428   b  and fastener  428   a  shown as Velco, however it should be appreciated that any other suitable fasteners  428   a  may be adaptable for use herein. The first lower attachment  428  is used for fastening the Y-shaped member  507  to the upper calf of the user. It should be appreciated that the brace  410  may include a second lower attachment  430 , such as a like strap, may be configured to fasten the ankle of the user to the back end of the shoe  424  shown in  FIG. 45  in conjunction with the retaining heel anchor  147  depicted in  FIG. 47 . The second lower attachment  430  may be needed for extreme user activities. 
         [0154]    In operation, the individual laces on the shoes  424  provided with the shoe sole insert  422  as shown in  FIG. 45 . The individual then places the upper sleeve assembly  412  on the thigh above the knee and engages the boots  496  shown in  FIG. 48  onto the upwardly extending arms  484  of the shoe sole insert  422  as shown in  FIG. 45  and  FIG. 46 . The blind end of the slot  17  in the boot  14  comes to rest on top of the vertical  6  in the shoe sole insert  422  shown in  FIG. 46  on page 5/15. 
         [0155]    At this point the strap  35  shown in  FIG. 54  is used to strap snugly the Y-shaped assembly  30  through verticals  32  shown in  FIG. 53  to the upper calf of the individual. This helps position the pivot point of the device with respect to the center of rotation of the knee of the user. The pivot point of the device is defined by the center of the holes  31  retaining the connecting nuts  13  fixedly attached to the Y-shaped member  507   30  by means of an interference fit as shown in  FIG. 53 . It should be appreciated that a strap of similar designed can also be used to fasten the shoe  424  around the ankle of the user using the heel anchor  147  shown in  FIG. 47  as described previously. 
         [0156]    The comfort pad  444  may be mounted to the stem  507   a  and configured to engage the tibia of the user. The first lower attachment  428  in conjunction with the fastener  428  may also support the comfort pad  444 . 
         [0157]    Subsequently the sleeve  418  is rolled around the thigh and wrapped snug tight with fastening device  473 , shown as two straps  473  in  FIG. 67 . The two straps  473  include Velcro fasteners  473   a  also shown in the same  FIG. 67 . It is to be noted that as the user stands up the stem  507   a  of the Y-shaped member  507  slides down in to the shock absorber housing  131 , through opening  137  as a result of the pivoting of the upper sleeve assembly  412 , which is fixed to the thigh. When the leg is articulated, the knee brace  410  absorbs the shock imparted when the foot strikes the ground. In particular the pivot point of the knee brace  410  is positioned above the pivot point of the knee when the knee is bent, and when the leg is straightened out, the pivot point of the knee brace  410  is coaxial with that of the knee, causing the upper strut to engage the shock absorbers  16 , and thus absorbing the load of a foot. 
         [0158]    While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.