Universal interface system, fastener apparatus and accessory rail system

Abstract

A fastener apparatus (200) for a universal interface system (10) is disclosed. The fastener apparatus may include a body (160), an interior fastener (206), an exterior fastener (202), and a spring (204). The fastener apparatus may form part of an accessory for a universal interface system. The universal interface system may include an object (14) and an accessory (16). The object may include a mounting surface (124), a locking surface (126), and an elongated slot (22) extending from the mounting surface to the locking surface. The accessory may be fixed to the mounting surface. The universal interface system may include a ready configuration (258), a rotated configuration (262), and a locked configuration (266). The universal interface system further may include a released configuration (260), and a deployed configuration (264). The universal interface system may be used to secure accessories to a weapon.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An interior fastener having a proximal end and a distal end for a universal interface system which comprises an object that includes a mounting surface, a locking surface, and an elongated slot extending from the mounting surface to the locking surface, the interior fastener comprising:
 an elongated base having a first longitudinal axis, the elongated base including
 a lower surface, 
 a first side proximate to the lower surface, 
 a second side proximate to the first side, and 
 a third side proximate to the first side and the lower surface, the third side including
 a notch which comprises
 a first interior sidewall, the first interior sidewall extending from the second side to the lower surface of the elongated base; 
 
 
   a shoulder next to the elongated base, the shoulder having a second longitudinal axis, the shoulder including
 a first sidewall-segment proximate to the first side of the elongated base; and 
 an end surface spaced from the second side of the elongated base along the second longitudinal axis; and 
   a first screw thread proximate to the end surface for receiving a mating fastener.   
     
     
         2 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the first side abuts the lower surface. 
     
     
         3 . The fastener of  claim 2 , wherein the second side abuts the first side and the third side. 
     
     
         4 . The fastener of  claim 1 , further comprising a bore in the end surface, the bore being internally threaded with the first screw thread. 
     
     
         5 . The fastener of  claim 4 , wherein the bore extends from the end surface to the lower surface. 
     
     
         6 . The fastener of  claim 1 , further comprising a shaft extending from the end surface, the shaft being externally threaded with the first screw thread. 
     
     
         7 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the shoulder further comprises a first cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, the first cross-sectional profile comprises:
 a first straight wall segment proximate the first side surface;   a second straight wall segment spaced from the first straight wall segment;   a first curved wall segment between the first straight side wall segment and the second straight wall segment; and   a second curved wall segment between the first straight side wall segment and the second straight wall segment.   
     
     
         8 . The fastener of  claim 7 , wherein the first cross-sectional profile further comprises:
 a third curved wall segment abutting the first straight wall segment;   a third straight wall segment abutting the first curved wall segment; and   a fourth straight wall segment abutting the third curved wall segment.   
     
     
         9 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the shoulder further comprises a first cross-sectional profile normal to the second longitudinal axis, and the first cross-sectional profile has a first plane of symmetry. 
     
     
         10 . The fastener of  claim 9 , wherein the first cross-sectional profile has a second plane of symmetry. 
     
     
         11 . The fastener of  claim 10 , wherein the first cross-sectional profile is generally square. 
     
     
         12 . The fastener of  claim 1 , further comprising a wedge in the first screw thread. 
     
     
         13 . The fastener of  claim 12 , wherein the wedge comprises an engineered plastic material. 
     
     
         14 . The fastener of  claim 13 , wherein the engineered plastic material comprises nylon 6/6. 
     
     
         15 . The fastener of  claim 13 , wherein the engineered plastic material is a strip. 
     
     
         16 . A fastener apparatus for a universal interface system comprising:
 the interior fastener of  claim 1 ; and   an exterior fastener including a proximal end and a distal end comprising
 a head which comprises
 a proximal end surface, 
 a distal end surface, the distal end surface comprising annular shape, and 
 a side surface extending from the proximal end surface to the distal end surface, 
 
 a tubular member extending from the head to the distal end, the tubular member comprising
 a bore extending from the distal end toward to the head, the bore comprising a sidewall, 
 a second screw thread disposed on the sidewall, the second screw thread being configured and dimensioned to mate with the first screw thread, and 
 a side surface extending from the distal end to the annular surface; and 
 
   a spring disposed over the side surface between the annular surface and the distal end.   
     
     
         17 . The fastener apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a fastening aid wherein the first screw thread, the second screw thread, and the fastening aid are engaged and form a coupling. 
     
     
         18 . An accessory for a small arms weapon comprising:
 a device comprising a weapon accessory; and   the fastener apparatus of  claim 16  incorporated into the device.   
     
     
         19 . The accessory of  claim 18 , wherein the device is an accessory rail. 
     
     
         20 . A universal interface system comprising:
 an object which comprises
 a mounting surface, 
 a locking surface, and 
 an elongated slot extending from the mounting surface to the locking surface; and 
   the accessory of  claim 18  fixed to the mounting surface.