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The Problem
- The majority of initial fatigue affects manifest between the base of the hips, and the base of the skull.
- The current Lighten the Load agenda is to shave an ounce at a time from the wearer. “Ounces equal pounds”. If we make the load lighter, the wearer isn’t carrying as much weight, the wearer doesn’t get tired as fast, he can perform at a higher level of performance for a longer period of time.
- Instead of shaving weight from the back, an ounce at a time, what don’t we just remove it all?
- If the goal is to impact wearer performance, what impact might this solution have.
Our Soultion
- An internal frame, shaped (with padding) to the shape of the spine – the height is controlled a telescoping portion of the vertical frame sheet.
- When the carrier is mounted, the cummerbund snug's the frame against the body, placing the spine into neutral position and providing core and posturing support.
- Two braces are anchored along the upper fame sheet, one protruding over each shoulder. This is the anchoring point for soldier items to the front and the rear of the wearer.
- This allows the translation of the weight of the soldier items directly through the frame sheet, to the hips, the bodies natural load carrier platform.
How the IFLBS Benefits the Wearer
- Elimination of Spinal Loading
- Core/Posturing Support
- Decrease in the Rate of Fatigue
- Lower Center of Gravity
- Increase in Range of Motion
- Enhanced interface for load bearing and soldier items
- Platform for cable management and device integration
- Decreased risk of injury (Chronic or load bearing injuries)
- Decrease time required for recovery for recovery
Testing Data
- NC State Pilot Study, January 2009
--click here to see study results--
- Comprehensive Field Test, March 2011
--Click here to see test results--
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