Importance

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Abstract

This invention relates to a resilient leg brace which acts in parallel with a runner's legs to support the weight during foot impact, to store the kinetic energy of vertical motion, and to release said energy thrusting the runner back into the air during take-off. The running brace is energy efficient in that it stores and releases the maximum amount of said energy, which means that the leg muscles do not need to supply as much energy to lift the runner's weight during each step. Also, the running brace protects the legs and other parts of the body from damage due to impact. The leg brace is attached to a pelvic harness, and optional back and neck braces are attached to the shoulders and the chin for the protection of the back and neck from impact shock. The improvements include means to put energy into the energy storage means using the legs while airborne or the arms at any time, means to achieve an asymmetric brace travel using sequential springs, means to achieve a constant force curve using pairs of springs, means to support a neck and a back brace on top of the running brace, and means for an energy storage mechanism which works in a manner similar to a leg muscle.

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First Claim