Weight distribution and support device and system for armor vests

A weight distribution system comprising:

• a waist belt comprising a central rear portion, a pocket disposed in the central rear portion, and a rigid support, at least a first portion of which is disposed in the pocket;
• an armor vest comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and a load bearing device for supporting a load contained within the armor vest, the load bearing device comprising a lower portion;
• and
• a coupling designed to couple the load bearing device to the rigid support, the coupling comprising an interface housing comprising a pocket,
• wherein at least a second portion of the rigid support is disposed within the pocket of the interface housing, and
• wherein the interface housing is designed to couple the lower portion of the load bearing device to the rigid insert.

A load bearing weight distribution system comprising:

• a waist belt comprising a central rear portion, a pocket disposed in the central rear portion, and a rigid support, at least a first portion of which is disposed in the pocket;
• an armor vest comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and a back brace for supporting a load contained within the armor vest, the back brace comprising a lower portion;
• a coupling designed to couple the back brace to the rigid support, the coupling comprising an interface housing comprising a pocket;
• and
• a tensioning mechanism for lifting a portion of the load contained within the armor vest off the shoulders of a wearer and redistributing the portion of the load to the waist belt via the coupling,
• wherein at least a second portion of the rigid support is disposed within the pocket of the interface housing, and
• wherein the interface housing is designed to couple the lower portion of the back brace to the rigid insert.