Patent ID: 7624567

Claim:
A convergent/divergent nozzle system comprising: a divergent flap seal pivotably mounted about a hinge axis which circumscribes a nozzle centerline, said divergent flap seal defining a flap seal longitudinal axis between a first flap seal longitudinal side and a second flap seal longitudinal side; a first divergent flap pivotably mounted about said hinge axis adjacent said first flap seal longitudinal side, said first divergent flap having a first divergent flap longitudinal side with at least one extension which extends therefrom which faces toward said flap seal longitudinal axis, said at least one extension located at a first longitudinal station; and a second divergent flap pivotably mounted about said hinge axis adjacent said second flap seal longitudinal side, said second divergent flap having a second divergent flap longitudinal side with at least one extension which extends therefrom which faces toward said flap seal longitudinal axis, said at least one extension located at a second longitudinal station different from said first longitudinal station such that said at least one extension which extends from said first divergent flap longitudinal side at least partially interfits with said at least one extension which extends from said second divergent flap longitudinal side when the nozzle is in a minimum position.