GB2616826A

GB2616826A - A load bearing system

Info

Publication number: GB2616826A
Application number: GB2201071.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frederick Hudson Alan; Rhys Heaword Steven
Original assignee: United Shield International Ltd
Current assignee: United Shield International Ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-27
Filing date: 2022-01-27
Publication date: 2023-09-27
Also published as: GB202201071D0

Abstract

A load-bearing system for assisting a user in back-carrying a load comprising first 10 and second 20 supports each with means to adjust and fix their length to alter the distance between first 11 and second 12 attachment points which can engage a vest 2 and belt 4 respectively. The supports may use sliding members which are constrained for relative linear movement. The adjustment mechanisms may use actuators arranged to be used by left and right hands and involve a toothed rack and a resilient bias. The system may be suitable for use with standardised MOLLE or PALS systems and be made of polyoxymethylene. The devices are designed to be laterally offset from a user’s spinal column to help support a rucksack attached to the vest. The device may be used by an infantry soldier to carry heavy weights.

Description

A LOAD BEARING SYSTEM

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The application relates to a load bearing system which enables a user to carry loads for a prolonged period on their back. In particular, the application relates to a load bearing system as may be used by an infantry soldier.

BACKGROUND

Infantry soldiers may need to carry substantial amounts of equipment for prolonged periods. In some examples, the weight of equipment may be in excess of 50 kg.

Carrying this mass of equipment is physically demanding. Rest days or rest periods may be required after carrying this mass of equipment for prolonged periods. The need for rest days may increase if the load carried has been borne on a sub-area or areas of the soldier's body, such as their shoulders.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a load-bearing system for assisting a user in back-carrying a load. The load bearing system comprises a first adjustable load-bearing support. The first adjustable load-bearing support comprises a first interface for attaching the first adjustable load-bearing support to a vest of the user and a second interface for attaching the first adjustable load-bearing support to a belt of the user. The first adjustable load-bearing support also comprises means for fixing an adjustable separation distance between the first interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support. The load bearing system also comprises a second adjustable load-bearing support. The second adjustable load-bearing support comprises a first interface for attaching the second adjustable load-bearing support to the vest of the user and a second interface for attaching the second adjustable load-bearing support to the belt of the user. The second adjustable load-bearing support also comprises means for fixing a second adjustable separation distance between the first interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support and the second interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support may have a first configuration and a second configuration, in which in the first configuration, the first and second interfaces have a larger separation than in the second configuration, and in the first configuration, the first and second interfaces are fixed at the larger separation distance.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first and second interfaces may be fixed at a smaller separation distance in the second configuration.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the means for fixing the adjustable separation distance between the first interface of the first load-bearing support and the second interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support comprises a first actuator, and the means for fixing the adjustable separation distance between the first interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support and the second interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support comprises a second actuator.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first actuator of the first adjustable load-bearing support is positioned to be actuated in use by a left hand of the user, and the second actuator of the second adjustable load-bearing support is positioned to be actuated in use by a right hand of the user.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support comprises a first member that is slidable relative to a second member.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first member and the second member of each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support are constrained for relative linear movement.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first actuator of the first adjustable load-bearing support is positioned at the second member and the first member slides within the second member, and the second actuator of the second adjustable load-bearing support is positioned at the second member and the first member slides within the second member.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first actuator of the first adjustable load-bearing support and second actuator of the second adjustable load-bearing support comprises a release to enable relative movement between the first member 10 and the second member.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first member of each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support comprises a toothed track that is slidable within a conduit provided by the second member. When the release is engaged with the toothed track, sliding of the first member relative to the second member is prevented. Wien the release is disengaged from the toothed track, sliding of the first member relative to the second member is permitted. In these embodiments, when the first or second actuator is not actuated, the release is engaged with the toothed track, and when the first or second actuator is actuated, the release is disengaged from the toothed track.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support comprise a resilient bias, that is configured to slide the first member away of from the second member.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, a range of the adjustable separation distance of the first load-bearing support is 0 -50mm, and a range of the adjustable separation distance of the second load-bearing support is 0-50mm.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support, the second interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support, the first interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support and the second interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support are configured to attach to a standardised system, wherein the standardised system is MOLLE or PALS.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first and second load-bearing supports comprise polyoxymethylene.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first adjustable load-bearing support and second adjustable load-bearing support are configured for use in a first state, wherein the separation distance between the first interface and the second interface is increased and a load path exists between the vest and belt via the first load-bearing support and the second load-bearing support, to increase the load borne by the user's hips; and are configured for use in a second state, wherein the separation distance between the first interface and the second interface is reduced and a load path does not exist between the vest and belt via the first load-bearing support and the second load-bearing support, to increase the load borne by the user's shoulders.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support are attached to the vest and belt at the back of the user, and the first adjustable support and the second adjustable support are laterally offset from the user's spinal column, on opposing sides of the user's spinal column.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, for each adjustable load-bearing support, the user increases the separation distance between the first interface and the second interface by actuating the actuator and laterally flexing the back of the user in a direction away from the adjustable load-bearing support, and decreases the separation between distance between the first interface and the second interface by actuating the actuator and laterally flexing the back of the user in a direction towards the adjustable load-bearing support.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, a rucksack for containing the load to be borne is configured to be attachable and detachable to the vest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows an example of the load-bearing system; FIG.2 shows an example of an adjustable load-bearing support in a first configuration and a second configuration; FIGS. 3A and 3B show example rear views of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support; FIGS. 4A and 43 show example front views of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support; FIG. 5A and 5B show example internal rear and front views of an adjustable load-bearing support; and FIG. 6 shows an example alternative interface for attaching an adjustable load-bearing support to a vest and belt of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a load-bearing system (100) for assisting a user (1) in back-carrying a load. The load-bearing system comprises a first adjustable load-bearing support (10) and a second adjustable load-bearing support (20).

The first adjustable load-bearing support (10) comprises a first interface (11) for attaching the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) to a vest (2) of the user (1) and a second interface (12) for attaching the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) to a belt (4) of the user (1).

The first adjustable load-bearing support (10) also comprises means for fixing an adjustable separation distance between the first interface (11) of the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) and the second interface (12) of the first adjustable load-bearing support (10).

The second adjustable load-bearing support (20) comprises a first interface (21) for attaching the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) to the vest (2) of the user (1) and a second interface (22) for attaching the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) to the belt (4) of the user (1).

The second adjustable load-bearing support also comprises means for fixing a second adjustable separation distance between the first interface (21) of the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) and the second interface (22) of the second adjustable load-bearing support (20).

The load-bearing system (100) in this example is a personal load-bearing system. The first adjustable load-bearing support (10) and the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) are in use simultaneously on a single user.

FIG 1 and FIG. 2 illustrates the load-bearing system (100) in use.

The first adjustable load-bearing support (10) and second adjustable load-bearing support (20) are configured for use in a first configuration where a separation distance between the first interface (11,21) and the second interface (12,22) is larger/increased to a distance (d1). Thus, a load path exists between the vest (2) and belt (4) via the first load-bearing support (10) and the second load-bearing support (20). The load path therefore increases the load borne by the user's hips, and decreases the load borne on the user's shoulders.

The first adjustable load-bearing support (10) and second adjustable load-bearing support (20) are also configured for use in a second state, in which the separation distance between the first interface (11, 21) and the second interface (12, 22) is reduced to a distance (d2). In this configuration, a load path does not exist between the vest (2) and belt (4) via the first load-bearing support (10) and the second load-bearing support (20), to increase the load borne by the user's shoulders.

By changing the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support between the first and second configuration, the user is therefore able to change the relative load on both the user's hips and shoulders, reducing fatigue, following prolonged load bearing on the user's back. Here a prolonged period, is one lasting a minimum of 1 hour.

To prevent asymmetric loading on the user's body, the configuration of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load bearing support is typically change around the same time, for example by the user first adjusting one support by laterally flexing their spine to the left, and subsequently laterally flexing their spine to the right, or vice-versa.

It may also be appreciated that in some examples, the separation distance between the first interface (11,21) and the second interface (12,22) may be at an intermediate value d3. In this third configuration, there may be intermediate load sharing between the user's hips and shoulders. Alternatively or additionally, this may be beneficial to enable the system to be used by users of different size.

Fig. 1 illustrates that the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) and the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) are attached to the vest (2) and belt (4) at the back of the user (1), The first adjustable support (10) and the second adjustable support (20) are laterally offset from the user's spinal column (5) and are on opposing sides of the user's spinal column (5). In some but not necessarily all examples, the lateral separation between the first adjustable support (10) and the user's spinal column (5), is substantially equal to the lateral separation between the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) and the user's spinal column 5. This promotes substantially even distribution of load between the two load-bearing supports, reducing fatigue. Contact between the supports and the user's spinal column is also prevented, reducing the risk of injury.

Each adjustable load-bearing support (10, 20) is configured to enable the user (1) to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration. Each adjustable load-bearing support (10, 20) is configured to enable the user (1) to increase the separation distance (d1) between the first interface (11,21) and the second interface (12, 22) by actuating an actuator (13, 23) and then leaning to the left or right which laterally flexes the back of the user (1) in a direction away from the adjustable load-bearing support (10, 20), extending the separation distance (d1).

Similarly, each adjustable load-bearing support (10, 20) is configured to enable the user (1) to decrease the separation distance between the first interface (11, 21) and the second interface (12, 22) by actuating the actuator (13, 23) and then leaning to the left or right which laterally flexing the back of the user (1) in a direction towards the adjustable load-bearing support (10, 20), reducing the separation distance (d1) This has the advantage in that the user (for example, a soldier) is able to move the load bearing system between these two configurations without substantially changing their field of view or being required to stop moving (for example, walking). This may be advantageous when a soldier is on patrol and requires a high level of vigilance and / or mobility.

Although not shown in Fig. 1, it may be understood that the load to be borne by the load bearing system (100) may be contained within a rucksack (30) (not shown). The rucksack (30) may, for example, be configured to be attachable and detachable to the vest (2) FIGS 2A and 2B illustrate that the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) and the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) each have a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the first and second interfaces (11,12,21,22) have a larger separation distance (dl) than in the second configuration and in the first configuration, the first and second interfaces (11,12,21,22) are fixed at the larger separation distance (dl). Hence, in the first configuration, the effective length of the load-carrying supports are fixed.

In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the effective length of the load-carrying supports are also fixed. In other embodiments, the effective length of the second (shorter) configuration may not be fixed. This may be desirable in situations in which the user 1 wishes to fully bear the load to be carried via their shoulders, but does not want a fixed length support to move their belt 4, as the user moves and/or the load borne shifts on the user's back This may improve user comfort, further reducing fatigue.

The operation of the first and second adjustable load-bearing supports is now disclosed.

The Figures show that each support comprises a first member (14, 24) that is slidable relative to a second member (15, 25). The first member (14, 24) and the second member (15, 25) are constrained for relative linear movement. In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first member and the second member may be constrained to prevent rotational movement of the first member relative to the second member. In some but not necessarily all embodiments, the cross-section of the first member may be substantially triangular, substantially rectangular, or elliptical. In some but not necessarily all embodiments, the first member may be hollow. In some but not necessarily all embodiments, the first member may comprise at least one stiffening rib.

In use, the first member may be an upper member, while the second member may be a lower member. The first member may be attached to at least one attachment point at approximately mid-height on the back of the user, whereas the second member may be attached to an attachment point on the user's belt 4.

The means for fixing the adjustable separation distance between the first interface (11) of the first load-bearing support (10) and the second interface (12) of the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) comprises a first actuator (13). The first actuator (13) of the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) is positioned at the second member (15) and the first member slides (14) within the second member (15).

The means for fixing the adjustable separation distance between the first interface (21) of the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) and the second interface (22) of the second adjustable load-bearing support (10) comprises a second actuator (23). The second actuator (23) of the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) is positioned at the second member (25) and the first member slides (24) within the second member (25).

In some but not necessarily all embodiments, the first and second adjustable load-bearing supports are handed, that is, the first actuator (13) of the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) is positioned to be actuated in use by a left hand of the user (1), and the second actuator (23) of the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) is positioned to be actuated in use by a right hand of the user (1). This is as shown in FIG.1.

Hence, although the first and second adjustable load bearing supports may function in a similar manner, the first and second adjustable load bearing supports may be a mirror image of each other, about an axis along the length of the supports. This is shown in FIGS 3A -48.

The range of the adjustable separation distance of the first load-bearing support (10) and the second adjustable load-bearing support may be similar. The range of the adjustable separation distance of each support may be 0 -50mm.

The means of fixing the separation distance of the first load-bearing support (10) and the second adjustable load-bearing support is now disclosed.

FIGS. 1 and 3A -4B and FIG. 5A and 5B illustrate that each of the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) and the second adjustable load-bearing support (20: the first member (14,24) comprises a toothed track (17, 27), that is slidable within a conduit provided by the second member (15, 25).

FIGS. 5A and 5B additionally illustrate that the actuator (13, 23) of the adjustable load-bearing support (10) and the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) comprises a release (16, 26) to enable relative movement between the first member (14, 24) and the second member (15, 25). The release (16, 26) is slidable within the second member of each support. The release is slidable in a different direction relative to the first member. For example, the release (16, 26) may be slidable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first member.

When the release within the second member is engaged with the toothed track (17, 27), sliding of the first member (14, 24) relative to the second member (15, 25) is prevented, and when the release (16, 26) is disengaged from the toothed track (17, 27), sliding of the first member (14, 24) relative to the second member (15, 25) is permitted.

The engagement and disengagement of the release is user controlled, by actuation of the actuator (13,23) on the second member (15, 25). This is because when the actuator (13,23) is not actuated, the release (16, 26) is engaged with the toothed track (17, 27), and when the actuator (13,23) is actuated, the release (16, 26) is disengaged from the toothed track (17, 27).

In some embodiments the release (16, 26) of each adjustable load-bearing support may be biased by a release bias, such as a helical spring. The helical spring may be made from a suitable metal such as titanium. In some embodiments, the release is biased to engage with the toothed track. In this embodiment, the separation distance of the first interface (11, 21) and second interface (12, 22) is fixed unless the actuator (13, 23) is actuated by the user (1).

In some embodiments, each of the first adjustable load-bearing support (10) and the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) comprise a resilient bias (not shown), that is comprised within the second member and is configured to slide the first member (14, 24) away from the second member (15, 25). The resilient bias may be a spring, such as a helical spring. The spring may comprise a suitable material such as titanium.

Alternatively, it is envisaged that other forms of resilient bias may be utilised, for example, a pneumatic bias.

If present, the resilient bias is selected to have a spring constant that is sufficient to slide the first member away from the second member. However, the spring constant is not sufficient to substantially assist a user in changing the configuration of the first or second adjustable load-bearing support, when the system is used for bearing a load.

It may be appreciated that it is desirable for the first interface (11) of the first adjustable load-bearing support (10), the second interface (12) of the first adjustable load-bearing support (10), the first interface (21) of the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) and the second interface (22) of the second adjustable load-bearing support (20) to be configured to attach to and detach from a standardised system. This enables the load-bearing system to be retro-fitted to existing clothing comprising the standardised system.

Different types of standardised system are available such as MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) and PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System). Each system requires a different form of interface. For example, an interface configured to attach to and detach from MOLLE is shown in FIGS 1 and 3A -4B, whereas an interface configured to attach to and detach from PALS is shown in FIG. In some but not necessarily all examples, the interfaces of the supports may be configured to be attachable and detachable from the first and second members. This may have the advantage that the load bearing system may be reconfigured as required, depending upon the type of standardised system employed on the vest (2) and belt (4) worn by the user (1).

The first and second load-bearing supports (10, 20) be manufactured from a range of materials from any suitable rigid material. For example, the first and second load-bearing material may comprise polyoxymethylene. Alternative plastics materials such as nylon may also be used, as may suitable metals or composite materials. Examples of suitable metals include titanium. Examples of composite material include carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

It may be appreciated that material selection may be dependent upon the environment (for example, ambient temperature and / or humidity) in which the load bearing system comprising the first and second load-bearing supports is to be used.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one." or by using "consisting".

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, alternative forms of release, such as a screw thread with knurled handle may be used. Similarly, although the first members are shown to be substantially rectangular in cross section, it may be appreciated that other cross-sections such as an triangular cross-section, oval cross-section, or circular cross-section may be used.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term 'a' or 'the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1.A load-bearing system for assisting a user in back-carrying a load, comprising: a first adjustable load-bearing support comprising a first interface for attaching the first adjustable load-bearing support to a vest of the user and a second interface for attaching the first adjustable load-bearing support to a belt of the user, and comprising means for fixing an adjustable separation distance between the first interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support; and a second adjustable load-bearing support comprising a first interface for attaching the second adjustable load-bearing support to the vest of the user and a second interface for attaching the second adjustable load-bearing support to the belt of the user, and comprising means for fixing a second adjustable separation distance between the first interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support and the second interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support.
2.The load-bearing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the first and second interfaces have a larger separation than in the second configuration and in the first configuration, the first and second interfaces are fixed at the larger separation distance.
3. The load-bearing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and second interfaces are fixed at a smaller separation distance in the second configuration.
4.The load-bearing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for fixing the adjustable separation distance between the first interface of the first load-bearing support and the second interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support comprises a first actuator, and the means for fixing the adjustable separation distance between the first interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support and the second interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support comprises a second actuator.
5. The load-bearing system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first actuator of the first adjustable load-bearing support is positioned to be actuated in use by a left hand of the user, and the second actuator of the second adjustable load-bearing support is positioned to be actuated in use by a right hand of the user.
6. The load-bearing system as claimed in any previous claim, wherein each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support comprises a first member that is slidable relative to a second member.
7. The load-bearing system as claimed in claim 6 wherein for each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support, the first member and the second member are constrained for relative linear movement.
8. The load-bearing system as claimed in claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 or 5, wherein the first actuator of the first adjustable load-bearing support is positioned at the second member and the first member slides within the second member, and the second actuator of the second adjustable load-bearing support is positioned at the second member and the first member slides within the second member.
9. The load-bearing system as claimed in claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the first actuator of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support comprises a release to enable relative movement between the first member and the second member.10. The load-bearing system as claimed in claim 9, wherein for each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support: the first member comprises a toothed track, slidable within a conduit provided by the second member, wherein: when the release is engaged with the toothed track, sliding of the first member relative 30 to the second member is prevented, and when the release is disengaged from the toothed track, sliding of the first member relative to the second member is permitted, wherein when the actuator is not actuated, the release is engaged with the toothed track, and when the actuator is actuated, the release is disengaged from the toothed 35 track.
10.The load-bearing system as claimed in any of claims 5 -9, wherein each of the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support comprise a resilient bias, configured to slide the first member away from the second member.
11. The load-bearing system as claimed in any previous claim, wherein a range of the adjustable separation distance of the first load-bearing support is 0 -50mm, and a range of the adjustable separation distance of the second load-bearing support is 0 -50mm.
12.The load-bearing system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support, the second interface of the first adjustable load-bearing support, the first interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support and the second interface of the second adjustable load-bearing support are configured to attach to a standardised system, wherein the standardised system is MOLLE or PALS.
13.The load bearing system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second load-bearing supports comprise polyoxymethylene.
14. The load-bearing system as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the first adjustable load-bearing support and second adjustable load-bearing support are configured for use in a first state, wherein the separation distance between the first interface and the second interface is increased and a load path exists between the vest and belt via the first load-bearing support and the second load-bearing support, to increase the load borne by the user's hips; and wherein the first adjustable load-bearing support and second adjustable load-bearing support are configured for use in a second state, wherein the separation distance between the first interface and the second interface is reduced and a load path does not exist between the vest and belt via the first load-bearing support and the second load-bearing support, to increase the load borne by the user's shoulders.
15. The load-bearing system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first adjustable load-bearing support and the second adjustable load-bearing support are attached to the vest and belt at the back of the user, wherein the first adjustable support and the second adjustable support are laterally offset from the user's spinal column and are on opposing sides of the user's spinal column.
16. The load-bearing system as claimed in claim 15, wherein for each adjustable load-bearing support the user: increases the separation distance between the first interface and the second interface by actuating the actuator and laterally flexing the back of the user in a direction away from the adjustable load-bearing support, and decreases the separation between distance between the first interface and the second interface by actuating the actuator and laterally flexing the back of the user in a direction towards the adjustable load-bearing support.
17. A load bearing system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a rucksack for containing the load to be borne is configured to be attachable and detachable to the 15 vest.