Central osteoarticular relief and performance structured load distribution system device and modular scalable vest system

Abstract

The present invention is a loadbearing device known by the Applicants' as the Central Osteoarticular Relief and Performance Structured Load Distribution System (CORPS-LDS), which is worn by a user to help distribute the weight of a load being carried or borne by the user. More specifically, the weight is substantially shifted from the user's shoulders to their hips while not overly inhibiting the user's range of motion. Furthermore, it is an aspect of the CORPS-LDS to distribute the weight being carried in a manner that reduces the strain on the spine and back while lessening the metabolic expenditure of the user. Moreover, the present invention is a protective vest system that utilizes the present invention's CORPS-LDS.

Claims

1. A load distribution device, comprising: a frame sheet having a top end and a bottom end, having an inner surface and an outer surface, and having a first side and a second side; an articulating load bearing spine having an upper end and a lower end, at least one vertebra, and a spinal cord having a top end and a bottom end, each vertebra having a upper ball-and-socket vertebra component and a lower ball-and-socket vertebra component, the upper vertebra component being distinct from the lower vertebra component, each vertebra having at least one aperture including a central aperture centrally located on each vertebra, the spinal cord extending through the central aperture of each of the at least one vertebra such that the spinal cord top end extends beyond the top end of the spine and the spinal cord bottom end extends beyond the bottom end of the spine; a belt comprising a belt bracket; an upper connection means for movably connecting the upper end of the spine to the bottom end of the frame sheet; and a lower connection means for movably connecting the lower end of the spine to the belt bracket and, thereby, the belt, wherein the upper connection means is comprised of a frame bracket attached to the bottom end of the frame sheet and a spinal cord terminator attached to the top end of the spinal cord, wherein the lower connection means is comprised of a locking device attached to the bottom end of the spinal cord, and wherein the locking device provides a quick-release feature that allows at least the frame sheet and the spine to be quickly disengaged from the belt bracket, and, thereby, disengaged from the belt.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the upper ball-and-socket vertebra components and each of the lower ball-and-socket vertebra components further comprises a right side, a left side and a center, and wherein the at least one aperture consists of three apertures, wherein a first of the three apertures is located on the vertebra right side, wherein a second of the three apertures is located on the vertebra left side, and wherein a third of the three apertures is the central aperture.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the spine further comprises a right tube having an upper end and a lower end, and a left tube having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the right tube is inserted through a right spine channel formed by the stacking of at least one upper ball-and-socket vertebra component and one lower ball-and-socket vertebra component so that the right tube upper end extends beyond the upper end of the spine and the right tube lower end extends beyond the lower end of the spine, wherein the left tube is inserted through a left spine channel formed by the stacking of at least one upper ball-and-socket vertebra component and one lower ball-and-socket vertebra component so that the left tube upper end extends beyond the upper end of the spine and the left tube lower end extends beyond the lower end of the spine, and wherein when the right tube and left tube are inserted through the spine the spine is provided with an over-bending and over-rotation protection feature.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper vertebra component is further comprised of an upper vertebra component upper surface and an upper vertebra component lower surface, and wherein the lower vertebra component is further comprised of a lower vertebra component upper surface and a lower vertebra component lower surface.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein each vertebra forms a ball-and-socket structure, wherein when the upper vertebra component is placed on top of the lower vertebra component to form one of the at least one vertebra the upper vertebra component lower surface is disposed in overlying contact with the lower vertebra component upper surface, and wherein when one of the at least one vertebra is stacked on top of another of the at least one vertebra the lower vertebra component lower surface of the vertebra on the top of the stack is placed on top of the upper vertebra component upper surface of the vertebra on the bottom of the stack so that the lower vertebra component lower surface of the vertebra on top of the other vertebra is disposed in overlying contact with the upper vertebra component upper surface of the vertebra on the bottom of the stack.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein each of the vertebra are further comprised of a ball centrally located on each upper vertebra component lower surface and each lower vertebra component lower surface, and a socket centrally located on each upper vertebra component upper surface and each lower vertebra component upper surface, and wherein when the upper vertebra component lower surface is disposed in overlying contact with the lower vertebra component upper surface the ball of the upper vertebra component lower surface movably nests in the socket on the lower vertebra component upper surface.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the frame sheet further comprises two wings, wherein the wings are extensions of the top end of the frame sheet, wherein one of the wings is located on the first side at the top end of the frame sheet and the other wing is located on the second side at the top end of the frame sheet, wherein the wings and the top end of the frame sheet form a partial collar that rests on a device user's shoulders and around at least the back of the device user's neck.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the partial collar in conjunction with the spine being operationally attached to at least the bottom end of the frame sheet and to the belt provides a means for assisting in transferring the weight of a user-borne load from the device user's shoulders to the device user's hips.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said upper connection means has a frame engagement end and the lower connection means has a belt engagement end, wherein when both the upper connection means and the lower connection means are operationally engaged the spine is provided with a movable connection between each the spine and the frame sheet, and the spine and the belt, respectively, and wherein when both the upper connection means and the lower connection means are operationally engaged the load distribution device is enabled to provide for distribution of the weight of the user-borne load from the shoulders of the device user to the device user's hips.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the lower connection means locking device is further comprised of a cam-type locking mechanism capable of being operationally connected to the belt bracket.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein when the frame engagement end of the upper connection means is operationally connected to the bottom end of the frame sheet and the belt engagement end of the lower connection means is operationally connected to the belt bracket, and, thereby, the belt through the cam-type locking mechanism being placed in a closed position, the articulating load bearing spine is operationally, and movably attached to both the frame sheet and the belt bracket and, thereby, the belt.

12. The device of claim 1, in combination with a modular scalable protective vest.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the modular scalable protective vest further comprises a base protective vest having a front side and a rear side, and each of said front side and said rear side having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the base protective vest can be worn by the user to provide fragmentation protection and to carry ballistic protection in the form of protective inserts.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the interior surface of said rear side of the base protective vest further comprises a back ballistic panel pocket that is capable of accepting, housing and securing at least a portion of said load distribution device.

15. The device of claim 12, in further combination with a fighting vest that is adapted to be worn under the protective vest.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the frame sheet is further comprised of frame sheet extensions that form a partial collar at least around both the back of the user's lower neck area, and the back and top of the user's shoulders.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the quick release feature, when actuated, disconnects at least the articulating load bearing spine of the load distribution device from the belt, and allows either the articulating load bearing spine and the base protective vest to be detached from the belt and, therefore, the user, or allows the user to detach the belt and continue wearing the base protective vest and the articulating load bearing spine.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein the belt further comprises a contoured shape that has a cut-out over the user's buttocks that allows the belt to ride low on the user's hips and pelvis, wherein this contoured shape lessens interference of the user's buttocks with the belt itself, and wherein allows for user-borne weight to be transferred more evenly to the user's hips, and, thereby, this contoured shape is capable of providing more comfort to the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) In order to better understand the invention and to see how the same may be carried out in practice, non-limiting preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a rear view of one embodiment of the CORPS-LDS in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2a is a rear view of the 1775 Frame Sheet and Plate Bracket constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 2b is a side perspective view of the 1775 Frame Sheet and Plate Bracket constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 3 is a side view of a Plate Bracket, Spinal Cord, and both the Spine/Belt Bracket Connector and the Spine/1775 Frame Sheet Connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

(6) FIG. 4a are top and side views of upper and lower vertebra sections in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

(7) FIG. 4b is a view of an articulating loadbearing Spine showing a Spine (i.e., a vertebra stack), the Spinal Cord, the over rotation/articulation tubes and both the Spine/Belt Bracket Connector and the Spine/1775 Frame Sheet connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

(8) FIG. 5 is a rear view of the CORPS-LDS showing the CORPS-LDS partially disassembled in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 6a is a rear view of the CORPS-LDS showing an assembled CORPS-LDS in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 6b is a front view of the CORPS-LDS showing an assembled CORPS-LDS in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a top portion of a Spine showing a swage connected to the top of a Spinal Cord, and showing the Spine in close proximity to, but not connected to, the bottom of a 1775 Frame Sheet with attached Plate Bracket in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(12) FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c show rear perspective views of the operation of connecting the 1775 Frame Sheet and Spine to a Belt Bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 9a is a rear view showing the back of an embodiment of the MSV comprising the MSV PC and Belt, and showing the bottom of a Spine shown attached to the Belt Bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 9b is a rear view of the MSV PC showing the upper portion of the CORPS-LDS located inside the back of a MSV PC in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(15) FIG. 9c is a rear view of the MSV PC showing a rectangular pocket located inside the back of a MSV PC in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(16) FIG. 9d is a rear view of the MSV PC showing an angled pocket located inside the back of a MSV PC in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(17) FIG. 9e is a front view of a MSV PC and Belt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(18) FIG. 10a shows a front view of the MSV (comprising the MSV PC and Belt) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(19) FIG. 10b shows a rear view of the MSV (comprising the MSV PC with CORPS-LDS, and Belt) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(20) FIG. 11a shows a user's right-side view of the MSV (comprising the MSV PC with CORPS-LDS, and Belt) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(21) FIG. 11b shows a user's left-side view of the MSV (comprising the MSV PC with CORPS-LDS, and Belt) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(22) FIGS. 12a, 12b and 12c show a front, user's right side, and rear view, respectively, of a MSV PC in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(23) FIG. 13 shows a front perspective view of a disassembled MSV PC including the front carrier, back carrier, left and right shoulder pads, left and right side plate pockets, and left and right cummerbund components in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(24) FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the upper portion of the MSV PC showing a vest quick release actuation mechanism handle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

(25) FIGS. 15a and 15b, respectively, show a front perspective view of two commercial vest quick release systems that could be used to assist in providing the quick release feature of an embodiment of the present invention.

(26) FIGS. 16a, 16b and 16c show a front, user's right side, and rear view, respectively, of a MSV Fighting Jacket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(27) Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, embodiments of the invention may be in many different forms and thus the invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather these embodiments are provided as illustrative examples only. Furthermore, like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and the use of the abbreviation FIG. will be used to identify Figures. Furthermore, different embodiments of like items described below will be shown on different Figures with the same item number followed by one of more diacritical or accent marks (e.g., , , , etc.). Moreover, the foregoing Summary of the Invention is incorporated into this Detailed Description of the Invention by reference as if set forth verbatim in this section of the application.

(28) It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations using a wide variety of materials, and manufactured using a variety of processes. Thus, the description of the certain described embodiments of the system, components and/or methods of the present invention, as represented by the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of embodiments of the invention.

(29) Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a non-limiting example of the CORPS-LDS 10, which may be construed as an embodiment of the present invention device. In general, the CORPS-LDS 10 is comprised of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 and attached Plate Bracket 115; the Spine 120; the Belt Bracket 130; and the CORPS Belt 150. As to the Plate Bracket 115 shown in FIG. 1, while it is preferable to attach a Plate Bracket 115 to the 1775 Frame Sheet 110, another embodiment of the invention may not incorporate use of a Plate Bracket 115, and, in which case, attachment of the Spine 120 to the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 would be implemented through alternative means or methods.

(30) Referring now to FIGS. 2a (& 2b), an embodiment (and a second embodiment shown in 2b) of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110) and the Plate Bracket 115 (& 115) are shown. As shown in FIG. 2b, but without limitation, this embodiment of the current design of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 is preferably contoured to match the complex curvature of Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI)/Plate (not shown) utilized by law enforcement and military personnel to provide protection against various types of projectiles.

(31) Also, without limitation, the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110) is preferably designed to have vertical extensions (or wing sections) 111 & 112 as shown in FIG. 2a (or 111 & 112 as shown in FIG. 2b) that extend beyond the vertical dimensions of a SAPI/Plate (not shown), and when a SAPI/Plate is nested in the Plate Bracket 115 as shown in FIG. 2a (or 115 as shown in FIG. 2b) the SAPI/Plate would ride on the back of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110) in an area on or near the user's back, shoulder and/or upper torso. These vertical extensions 111 & 112 (or 111 & 112) act as a structural means of transferring the weight of a tactical vest such as, but without limitation, the U.S. Marine Corps' Modular Scalable Vest (MSV or Vest) including the MSV Plate Carrier (MSV PC) component of the MSV, and a significant portion of the load carried by such a MSV to the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110) and other elements of the invention to a user's hips and/or pelvic area. According to Applicants, the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110) provides the structure and support for the CORPS-LDS 10, at least on the user's upper torso area, and initiates the transfer of the load to the articulating external spinal column, i.e., the Spine 120 (shown in FIG. 1). In other words, the Frame Sheet 110 (& 110) serves as an interface between the user and the load borne by the user when transferring the weight from the user's shoulders to a user's hips and/or pelvic area. Moreover, in one preferred embodiment of the invention, the percentage weight transfer is adjustable, and, as a non-limiting example, 20% (more or less) of the weight could be on or carried by the user's shoulders and the remaining 80% (less or more) of the weight could be essentially transferred or carried by a user's hips and/or pelvic region. Moreover, the MSV and the MSV PC are designed so that the MSV and/or MSV PC may be used with or without the CORPS-LDS (i.e., the CORPS-LDS is designed to be a removable feature vice being fixed and required).

(32) However, it also should be noted that the shape of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110) is not limited to the contour and profile of the SAPI plate and can take on varying ergonomic forms to match the contour of a user's upper torso profile and/or the profile of the load that will be carried by the CORPS-LDS 10 and the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110).

(33) The 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110 and the other 1775 Frame Sheet embodiments shown on several of the other Figures) is currently constructed using a maple wood core with a carbon fiber laminate. The current construction process is similar to that used for typical ski and snowboard designs/products, and it is currently believed to provide the present invention with sufficient durability at the lightest weight. Preferably, without limitation, other material options for the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110 (and the other embodiments of the 1775 Frame Sheet)) can include the use of plastic, metal or composites, and could utilize other suitable construction/manufacturing processes as needed for the application/use.

(34) Now while referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 9c and 9d, and while a SAPI plate is not shown in these FIGS., the current design of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (or 110) allows for a SAPI plate to nest in a Plate Bracket 115 (or 115), which, in turn, allows a SAPI plate to ride on or is adjoining to the outer surface of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (or 110) (i.e., when being worn the 1775 Frame Sheet outer surface is the surface furthest away from a user). Preferably when used with a MSV PC (and/or MSV), the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110) resides inside the back SAPI plate pocket (as shown in FIG. 9c as 550, and in FIG. 9d as 550) of the back of the MSV PC, which, as preferably shown, is designed or can be modified to accommodate the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (& 110). Preferably, as shown in FIG. 9b, 9c and/or 9d, the upper portion of CORPS-LDS 10 is inserted into a pocket 550 (or 550) that is sewn or otherwise attached to the interior side of the back of the MSV PC 500, it should be realized, however, that attachment of the CORP-LDS 10 with a MSV PC 500 is not limited to such a pocket and could be accomplished through other means. Moreover, the Plate Bracket 115 (or 115) at the bottom of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (or 110) is preferably rigidly attached to the 1775 Frame Sheet, and provides the connection point to which the Spine 120 attaches to the 1775 Frame Sheet. As previously described, an alternative, non-limiting, Plate Bracket design could incorporate the use of a modification to secure the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (or 110) inside the well-known plate pocket flap that almost all armor vests (including the MSV PC) have. For example, the use of arm-like structures (not shown) extending on either side of a Plate Bracket could be used to catch on the well-known plate pocket flap. Currently, the Plate Bracket 115 (or 115) is riveted onto the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (or 110); however, other attachment means such as an adhesive, screws, or even making it an integral part of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 (or 110) itself could be used. In another non-limiting embodiment, the Plate Bracket 115 (or 115) is not required and/or used, and the CORPS-LDS including its Spine connection can still be worn by a user. In other words, in this alternate embodiment, the Spine is attached to the 1775 Frame Sheet using a different (non-plate) bracket or other similar means that would still provide the articulation function of the Spine, and, thereby, still allow for the inventive load distribution function to be provided by the CORPS-LDS when the CORPS-LDS is worn without the use of a Plate Bracket or ballistic protection plate.

(35) Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting embodiment of Plate Bracket 115 and the connection system 101 used to connect the Spine 120 (shown in FIG. 1) between the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 and the Belt Bracket 130 (both of which are shown in FIG. 1). As previously described, and preferably, on the top end of the Spinal Cord 210 is an upper swage 160 (hereinafter referred to as the Spine/1775 Frame Sheet Connector or Upper Swage) that, preferably, movably, attaches the Spine 120 to the Plate Bracket 115, which is attached to the bottom of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110. Preferably, on the bottom end of the Spinal Cord 210 is a lower swage 165 (hereinafter referred to as the Lower Swage). Preferably, the Lower Swage 165 movably, attaches the Spine 120 to the Belt Bracket 130, and, therefore, the CORPS Belt 150 (since the Belt Bracket 130 is attached to the CORPS Belt 150) through the nesting of the Lower Swage 165 into, and use of, the locking device 220, (note that the locking device 220 may hereinafter be referred to as the CORPS-LDS quick-release mechanism). As shown in FIG. 3, the quick-release mechanism 220 is preferably, but without limitation, comprised of a cam-type locking device. Preferably, besides using the well-known operational features of cam-type locking devices, the locking device 220 and the Lower Swage 165 portion of the connection system 101 both allow or provide for the attachment of the Spine 120 to the Belt Bracket 115 and also provides a quick-release capability, i.e., rotating the locking device 220 away from the Belt Bracket 130 or, in other words opening the locking device 220 will allow the separation of the CORPS Belt 150 and Belt Bracket 130 from the Spine 120 and 1775 Frame Sheet 110. Moreover, the Spine 120 and 1775 Frame Sheet 110 can also be quickly released from the CORPS Belt and Belt Bracket by utilizing the well-known Vest (or MSV PC) quick-release feature, in which case, as the quick-release feature is actuated the MSV PC would fall away from the user, and consequently, the Lower Swage 165 will slide out of, and, therefore, disengage from the Belt Bracket 130. Or, as previously described, the CORPS-LDS quick-release feature can be operated manually by opening, i.e., rotating the locking device into a release position; thereby, disengaging, the locking device 220 from the Belt Bracket 130. It should be understood, that while use of a cam type locking device is preferable other suitable devices or components can be used as well. Moreover, it should be noted that these release systems are designed to operate without interference even while the user is in a vertical orientation.

(36) Preferably, but without limitation, the Spinal Cord is constructed of a metal cable; the Spine/1775 Frame Sheet Connector (Upper Swage) and the Lower Swage are both currently manufactured from metal, and the locking device is currently manufactured from a ruggedized composite plastic through which one end of the Spinal Cord is fed and attaches to the locking device through the use of the Lower Swage (or through the use of a screw or other suitable cable terminator). While the use of a swage type device is described above, it should be noted that, without limitation, other cable end terminators and suitable connection devices can be used. Moreover, while plastic or metallic components are preferable, it should be realized that other suitable alternative materials of sufficient load bearing and operational capabilities can be substituted for any or all of the items of the connection system 101.

(37) According to the invention, the design of the Spine 120 (and its other embodiments) allows the user to bend and twist at the waist, i.e., in order to make or complete various movements. When in the upright standing, walking or running position, a portion of the weight of the CORPS-LDS 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) and any ancillary equipment borne by the user is distributed from the Frame Sheet 110 through Spine 120 to the CORPS Belt 150 (as shown in FIG. 1).

(38) Now additionally referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the Spine's 120 vertical dimension (or height) is, without limitation, adjustable by varying the number of vertebra 125 used, or by using vertebra of differing vertical dimensions, i.e., differing heights. The vertebra 125 is preferably comprised of rigid 121 and semi-rigid 126 vertebra components or elements. Moreover, the vertical orientation of the Spine 120 with respect to a user's back can also be raised or lowered through the use of separate adjustment means associated with the Plate Bracket 115 and/or the Belt Bracket 130, e.g., this adjustment can be accomplished through the use of vertically adjustable connectors between the Spine 120 and 1775 Frame Sheet 110 and/or the Spine 120 and CORPS Belt/Belt Bracket 130 connection.

(39) More specifically, the preferable configuration of the Spine 120 is comprised of at least one vertebra 125, which itself is comprised of at least one pair of components, i.e., an upper vertebra component 121 and a lower vertebra component 126. Each vertebra component 121 and 126, respectively, has a ball and socket-like joint configuration comprised of an upper vertebra component ball 124, a lower vertebra component ball 127, an upper vertebra component socket 122, and a lower vertebra component socket 123. It is readily apparent that the ball 124 of the upper vertebra component 121 would fit or nest in the socket 123 of the lower vertebra component 126, and that the ball 127 of a lower vertebra component 126 would fit or nest in the socket 122 of a upper vertebra component 121. Consequently, each vertebra 125 is comprised of, and benefits from the features of, this combination of an upper vertebra component 121 and a lower vertebra component 126.

(40) To provide the capability of movable connecting a stack of vertebra together, primarily, but without limitation, for the purpose of forming the Spine 120, each upper vertebra component 121 and each lower vertebra component 126 is designed and manufactured with a hole or aperture running through the center 117a of the upper vertebra component 121, and a hole or aperture running through the center 117b of the lower vertebra component 126; a hole or aperture running through the left side 118a and the right side 119a of the upper vertebra component 121; and a hole or aperture running through the left side 118b and the right side 119b of the lower vertebra component 126, respectively. Thereby, the aligning of these holes or apertures forms three (i.e., center, left, and right) open channels through each of a stack of vertebra 125, or in other words, through the Spine 120. The Spinal Cord 210 runs through the center channel of the Spine. Furthermore, preferably running through or inserted into the left and right side channels of the Spine 120 are rubber or rubber-like tubes 128 & 129, which are used to assist in ensuring the upper vertebra component 121, the lower vertebra component 126, the vertebra 125 itself and the vertebra stack, i.e., the Spine 120, remain substantially engaged, and to prevent the over-rotation and/or over-bending of the Spine 120. While it is preferable that the left tube 128 and the right tube 129 are inserted using a press-fit process, a less restrictive insertion method may be used as well. Moreover, while it is preferable that rubber or rubber-like materials are used for the tubes 128 & 129, it should be realized, but without limitation, that other flexible or semi-rigid materials including cables akin to the Spinal Cord may be used as well. Moreover, other embodiments of the Spine could comprise just the central channel, or just the left and right channelswhich would require the use of a different connection system including, without limitation, a two-to-one interface, i.e., the two tubes or cables running through the left and right channels could be connected to the left and rights sides of a lower end of an interface bracket that utilizes a single, center cable that would be capable of connecting the interface bracket to the Plate Bracket.

(41) Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded rear view of an embodiment of the CORPS-LDS 10 and its component parts (110, 115, 120, 130, 150, and 220) are shown. And, referring now to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the rear view and front view, respectively, of an assembled CORPS-LDS 10 are shown.

(42) Referring now to FIG. 7, a view of components of an embodiment of the CORPS-LDS is shown. More specifically, FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the top of a Spine 120 and Upper Swage (Spine/1775 Frame Sheet Connector) 160, and the bottom of the 1775 Frame Sheet 110 and the Plate Bracket 115 while the Spine and Frame Sheet are separated from each other. In this embodiment, the Spine attachment mechanism (which is shown as centrally located on the Plate Bracket) when in the unlocked or open position will allow for the Upper Swage 160 to be inserted into the attachment mechanism portion of the Plate Bracket 115, which can then be locked or closed in order to movably attach the Spine to the 1775 Frame Sheet, and while still providing or allowing the Spine to rotate and otherwise move relative to the 1775 Frame Sheet and Plate Bracket.

(43) Referring now to FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c, these FIGS. show more detail regarding the attachment of an embodiment of the Spine 120 to an embodiment of the Belt Bracket 130. More specifically, the upper portion of FIG. 11a shows the bottom of the Spine, and also shows the ends of the tubes running through the Spine, and the locking device 220 (and also shows the locking device 220 connected to the Lower Swage 165). Furthermore, the lower portion of FIG. 8a shows an embodiment of the Belt Bracket 130, which also shows the integral locking mechanism for locking the locking device 220 to the Belt Bracket. Referring now to FIG. 8b, shown is the locking device 220 inserted into the locking mechanism in the open or unlocked position. To complete the attachment process, the locking device 220 is rotated into the closed or locked position as shown in FIG. 8c. It should be noted that embodiments of the Belt Bracket are designed so that the locking mechanism portion of the Belt Bracket can vertically move for up to several inches relative to the Belt Bracket; therefore, once the locking device 220 is locked the CORPS-LDS and the user are provided with an enhanced bending movement feature.

(44) Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b, each of these FIGS. shows a rear view of an embodiment of a MSV (MSV PC) 500. And FIG. 9b, additionally shows not only the visible portions of the CORPS-LDS when worn with the MSV-PC 500, but it also shows the hidden (or cut-away) view portion of the CORPS-LDS as well. More specifically, this cut-away view shows how the remainder of a complete CORPS-LDS 10, i.e., the upper portion of the Spine 120, the Plate Bracket 115, and the 1775 Frame Sheet 110, would be located within the MSV PC 500 when the MSV PC 500 and CORPS-LDS 10 is worn by a user. Furthermore, the front view of an embodiment of the MSV PC 500 and Corps Belt 150 is shown in FIG. 9e.

(45) Referring now to FIGS. 10a and 10b, these FIGS. show the front view and rear view, respectively, of an embodiment of the MSV 1000 including the MSV PC 500, the Corps Belt 150 and the other components of the lower portion of the CORPS-LDS (shown in FIG. 10b).

(46) Referring now to FIGS. 11a & 11b, a user's right side and user's left side views of an embodiment of the MSV-PC 500, CORPS Belt 150 and other portions of the CORPS-LDS are respectively shown. Furthermore, a user's front side, right side, and rear side views of an embodiment of the MSV-PC 500 are respectively shown in FIGS. 12, 12b, and 12c.

(47) Referring now to FIG. 13, an exploded view of an embodiment of a MSV-PC is shown. More specifically, FIG. 13 shows a Front Carrier 600, a Back Carrier 605, right and left Shoulder Pads (620a and 620b, respectively), right and left Side Plate Carriers (615a and 615b, respectively), and right and left Cummerbund components (610a and 610b, respectively) that when connected form the Cummerbund 610.

(48) Referring now to FIGS. 14, 15a and 15b, embodiments of vest quick-release components are shown. Referring first to FIGS. 15a and 15b, each respectively show an embodiment of commercially available vest quick-release systems 710 and 710 of the type capable of being used to provide the vest quick-release feature of the present system. It is well known that each of the cables of such systems (e.g., 715 and/or 725) respectively attach to the buckles shown on the Front Carrier 600 (shown on FIG. 14), and when the tabs 711 and 721 (shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b respectively) are operated the cables cause the buckles to open, which allows the separation of the Front Carrier 600 from the Back Carrier 605 (both of which are shown on FIG. 13). Referring now to FIG. 14, shown is an improved vest quick-release handle 700 that is attached to the tab 711 or 721 shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b respectively. This handle 700 is designed to ergonomically make the operation of the vest quick-release system easier and/or more efficient.

(49) Referring now to FIGS. 16a, 16b, and 16c, a user's front side, right side, and rear side views are respectively shown of an embodiment of a MSV Fighting Jacket 800. While the MSV-PC is the base vest for the MSV, as previously stated, the MSV is highly configurable and scalable. With this in mind, the MSV Fighting Jacket 800 is a component that can be utilized in an embodiment of the MSV, preferably in an embodiment in which the Fighting Jacket 800 is worn under a MSV-PC. Moreover, the Fighting Jacket 800 can carry front and rear SAPI Plates to provide small arms protection to the user.

(50) Finally, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of load bearing equipment design and construction, and/or other related fields that many other modifications and/or substitutions can be made to the foregoing embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The current embodiments of the present invention are described herein. However, it should be understood that the best means, method or implementation for carrying out the invention herein described is by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Therefore, it is intended that the scope of the present invention includes all of the modifications that incorporate its principal design features, and that the scope and limitations of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.