Retractable electrical connector for missiles

Claim 1

A quick disconnect umbilical connector assembly for a rocketpowered missile supported by a launcher prior to firing, said assembly comprising: an axially extending launch rail attached to said launcher having a centrally formed axial cut-out portion; a hollow tubular plunger mounted on the launcher; an electrical socket formed as an extension of the plunger with the pin receptacles of the socket being perpendicular to the axis of the plunger; means for automatically retracting the plunger and socket into the launcher frame by a translational movement along the axis of the plunger; said automatic retracting means comprising a spring surrounding the tubular plunger and held in place by a retaining cap, said spring adapted to be in a biased position when the plunger and socket is extended into the axial slot; an obturator disc attached to the end of the plunger adjacent to the socket, slightly larger than the diameter of the plunger, whereby the hole into which the plunger and socket is retracted is automatically closed; and a plug attached to said missile engaging and holding said plunger and socket in an extended position when said missile is in firing position, the prongs of said plug and receptacles of said socket being oriented parallel with the axis of said missile and adapted to be automatically disengaged by the motion of said missile when it is fired, whereby said spring biased socket is retracted into said launcher.