UNIVERSAL INTERFACE SYSTEM, FASTENER APPARATUS AND ACCESSORY RAIL SYSTEM
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.
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.