Patent ID: 8353238
Filing Date: 2013-01-15
Classification: F41F

Abstract:
1. A blind-mating rocket launcher connector and protection system, comprising: a keyway assembly having a front portion, a rear portion, a launcher connector mechanism and a protective cover mechanism; and said launcher connector mechanism having a floating connector member with a connector capable of a self centering connection; and said launcher connector mechanism capable of a positive blind mating with a rocket connector of a hood of a rocket; and said protective cover mechanism having a pivoting connector cover, a pivoting cam, and one or more linkage bars between said cam and said connector cover whereby a first pivot of said cam toward said rear portion creates a second pivot of said connector cover toward said front portion; and said pivoting connector cover having a bias at a home position upon said connector of said floating connector member and covering at least a portion of said connector when in said home position; and said cam positioned to impinge upon the hood of the rocket during an installation of the rocket and said connector cover positioned to move from said home position and uncover said connector of said floating connector member when the hood impinges upon said cam; and said connector cover positioned to move to said home position under said bias upon a launch of the rocket when the hood is not impinging upon said cam prior to an exhaust plume of the rocket reaching said floating connector.