Abstract: A composite material for absorbing forces applied to a face of the material comprises a first plurality of shaped solids having a substantially polygonal cross-section with a number of sides (X); a second plurality of shaped solids having a base and a top, wherein the base has a substantially polygonal cross-section with X number of sides and the top has a substantially polygonal cross-section with X number of sides that is larger than the polygonal cross-section of the base and is rotated X/180 degrees about an axis shared by the base and top; wherein the top of a shaped solid of the second plurality extends over a shaped solid of the first plurality; and wherein the top may comprise a different material than the base. One of the first and second pluralities of solids may be connected to a material layer, which may be a resilient material layer.

Abstract: A composite material for absorbing forces applied to a face of the material includes a first plurality of shaped solids and a second plurality of shaped solids arranged proximate to one another. A third plurality of shaped solids may be arranged proximate to both the first and second plurality of shaped solids, and be least partially located in a plurality of spaces formed by the arrangement of the first and second shaped solids proximate one another. One of the first, second and third pluralities of solids may be connected to a material layer, which may be a fiber or filament reinforced layer. Interstices existing between the first, second and third pluralities of shaped solids may have a resilient material therein.

Abstract: A knee brace for coupling to a patient's knee. The knee brace can include a flexion/extension joint, a first arm coupled to the flexion/extension joint, and a first ramp positioned to engage the first arm. The first ramp can be shaped to move the first arm towards the patient's leg as the patient's knee extends and away from the patient's leg as the patient's knee flexes. Alternatively, the first ramp can be shaped to move the first arm away from the patient's leg as the patient's knee extends and toward the patient's leg as the patient's knee flexes.

Abstract: A prosthetic walking system including a pylon, a prosthetic ankle, and a prosthetic foot, any two or more of which can be integrally connected into a single, continuous unit. The prosthetic ankle can be a rearwardly-facing, generally C-shaped member, and may include an upper leg, an interconnecting portion, and a lower leg. The prosthetic ankle may include a weakened portion so that the prosthetic walking system is better adapted to flex at the prosthetic ankle rather than at the pylon. A link or link assembly can be coupled to at least one of the pylon and the upper leg of the prosthetic ankle and to at least one of the lower leg of the prosthetic ankle and the prosthetic foot in order to limit the displacement between the upper leg and the lower leg of the prosthetic ankle.