Weight Distribution and Support Device and System for an Armor Vest

Abstract

A load distribution device for distributing the load of an armor vest worn by a wearer. The vest includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a shoulder portion. The load distribution device includes a belt, a coupling, and one or more securement straps. The coupling attaches the belt to the rear portion of the vest. Each securement strap comprises a rear securement strap and a front securement strap. Each securement strap is configured to extend from the shoulder portion of the vest to the rear portion of the vest. In another aspect, the load distribution device includes a cummerbund. Each rear securement strap extends from a shoulder portion to a securement strap loop. Each front securement strap is fixed at one end to the cummerbund, loops through the securement strap loop, and extends in an opposite direction towards the front of the wearer.

1 . A load distribution device for a vest comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and a shoulder portion, the load distribution device comprising:
 a belt;   a coupling configured to the belt to the rear portion of the vest; and   one or more securement straps configured to extend from the shoulder portion of the vest to the rear portion of the vest, and from the rear portion of the vest to the front portion of the vest.   
     
     
         2 . The load distribution device of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling comprises a rigid support. 
     
     
         3 . The load distribution device of  claim 2 , wherein the rigid support comprises a belt portion and a vest portion connected by a rivet such that the belt portion and the vest portion can rotate about the rivet. 
     
     
         4 . The load distribution device of  claim 1 , wherein the armor vest comprises a flexible back brace. 
     
     
         5 . The load distribution device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more securement straps extend toward the front portion of the vest by passing through a ring in the rear portion of the vest. 
     
     
         6 . The load distribution device of  claim 1 , wherein the shoulder portion comprises a clip configured to prevent a backpack strap from sliding off a wearer's shoulder. 
     
     
         7 . A load distribution device for a vest comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and a shoulder portion, the load distribution device comprising:
 a cummerbund;   a coupling configured to attach the cummerbund to the rear portion of the vest; and   one or more securement straps, each securement strap comprising a rear securement strap and a front securement strap,   wherein each rear securement strap extends from a shoulder portion to a securement strap loop, and   wherein each front securement strap is fixed at one end to the cummerbund, extends toward the center of the back of a wearer, loops through the securement strap loop, and extends in an opposite direction towards the front of the wearer.