Powered vehicle accessory and accessory powering method

A vehicle accessory power transfer method, comprising:

• receiving a plurality of feet within a plurality of apertures via movement of the plurality of feet in a first direction along an insertion path;
• sliding an accessory relative to a baseplate in a second direction different than the first direction to engage the accessory in a retention position with the baseplate, where the accessory is secured relative to a vehicle such that the plurality of feet cannot be withdrawn from the plurality of apertures, the baseplate secured to the vehicle;
• and
• electrically powering at least one device using the accessory.

A vehicle accessory power transfer method, comprising:

• receiving a plurality of feet within a plurality of apertures via movement in a first direction, wherein the plurality of apertures comprises discrete groups of apertures;
• sliding an accessory relative to a baseplate in a second direction different than the first direction to engage the accessory with the baseplate and secure the accessory relative to a vehicle such that the plurality of feet cannot be withdrawn from the plurality of apertures, the baseplate secured to the vehicle;
• spacing the discrete groups of apertures apart from each other on the baseplate such that each group can receive one accessory;
• forming each discrete group to include a set of apertures that surround a power opening extending through a thickness of the baseplate;
• providing electrical power to the accessory from the vehicle, including providing the accessory with an accessory power interface configured to communicate with a plate power interface of the baseplate via the power opening;
• delivering the electrical power to the accessory through the power opening in the baseplate;
• and
• electrically powering at least one device using the accessory.

A vehicle accessory assembly, comprising:

• an accessory configured to engage a baseplate to secure the accessory to a vehicle, the accessory and the baseplate configured to engage each other through an attachment system having a plurality of feet that are each received within one of a plurality of apertures when engaged, the accessory configured to provide electrical power to at least one device that is electrically coupled to the accessory, and wherein each foot is moveable between an insertion position where the plurality of feet can be withdrawn from the plurality of apertures and a retention position to prevent withdrawal of the plurality of feet from the plurality of apertures;
• wherein the vehicle provides the electrical power that the accessory provides to the at least one device, and wherein the accessory receives the electrical power from the vehicle through the baseplate;
• wherein the accessory includes the plurality of feet that are configured to engage the plurality of apertures within the baseplate;
• at least one tab of the accessory and at least one tab of the baseplate that is electrically connected to a power source, the at least one tab of the accessory configured to electrically couple to the at least one tab of the baseplate when the accessory and the baseplate are engaged through the attachment system;
• and
• wherein the baseplate includes at least one power opening surrounded by the plurality of apertures, wherein the plurality of apertures are spaced apart from the at least one power opening and from each other, and wherein the at least one tab of the baseplate comprises a plurality of plate tabs that are attached to a lower surface of the baseplate and are spaced apart from each other about a periphery of the at least one power opening such that the at least one tab of the accessory can engage one plate tab in every mounting position.