Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. The system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The system further includes a follower that supports the slats. The system further includes a spring-biased pulley system that is configured to cooperate with the follower and biases the slats toward the tracks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing a hood scoop to a designated recessed area of a hood of a Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon vehicle comprising: providing the hood scoop having a protective member and a hood attachment member having a first cable access feature wherein: edge profile of the hood attachment member matches edge profile of the designated recessed area; the designated recessed area includes a hood aperture that provides access to the vehicle's electrical power and control systems; attaching the attachment member to the designated recessed area using conventional attachment means; and attaching a light fixture to the hood scoop wherein the light fixture's cables pass through the first cable access feature and the hood aperture for communication with the vehicle's electrical power and control systems. The present invention also provides the hood scoop described herein.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track on either side of an opening. The retractable cover system further includes a cover that has multiple slats that are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The slats include laterally extending profiles that are complementary to one another and are configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The complementary profiles are configured to decouple from one another in the stowed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing a hood scoop to a designated recessed area of a hood of a Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon vehicle comprising: providing the hood scoop having a protective member and a hood attachment member having a first cable access feature wherein: edge profile of the hood attachment member matches edge profile of the designated recessed area; the designated recessed area includes a hood aperture that provides access to the vehicle's electrical power and control systems; attaching the attachment member to the designated recessed area using conventional attachment means; and attaching a light fixture to the hood scoop wherein the light fixture's cables pass through the first cable access feature and the hood aperture for communication with the vehicle's electrical power and control systems. The present invention also provides the hood scoop described herein.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that define an opening and each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor that drives a first gear. The first gear is coupled to a second gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the drive assembly and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive assembly. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. The motor is disconnected to the slats with the first and second gears in the decoupled position for manual operation.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes laterally spaced apart guide rails that each provide a track. A drive assembly includes a motor operatively connected to a gear. A cover has multiple slats configured to interlock with one another in a deployed configuration. The slats cooperate with the gear and are slidable in the tracks between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. The slats are stacked onto one another in a stowed configuration. A method of servicing a retractable cover system includes the step of removing an access cover from a magazine to expose a cavity housing stacked rigid slats. A method of retracting a tonneau cover includes the steps of actuating a handle and decoupling the tonneau cover from a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A winch including a drive motor, a cable drum, and a gear train assembly coupled to the drive motor and including a planetary gear set having a ring gear positioned in a gear train housing. The gear train housing including a radial clutch mount and an axial clutch mount. A clutch mechanism is selectively positionable at the radial clutch mount, in a first configuration, and the axial clutch mount, in a second configuration. The clutch mechanism is operable to selectively lock and unlock the ring gear to the gear train housing, thereby engaging and disengaging the cable drum from the gear train assembly.

Abstract: Winches with dual mode remote controls, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch can include a frame, a cable drum rotatably supported by the frame, a drive motor operatively connected to the cable drum, and a winch control module. The winch control module can include an enable/disable circuit having a normally open ground path connection and a controller having wireless capability connected to the enable/disable circuit. The controller can include instructions to disable the wireless capability of the controller when the normally open ground path connection is completed.

Abstract: Auto-engaging winch clutches, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch can include a frame, a cable drum, a drive motor supported by the frame, a gear train, and an auto-engaging clutch mechanism. The gear train can include a ring gear and a gear set engaged with the ring gear, the drive motor, and the drum. The auto-engaging clutch mechanism can include a locking element movable from a disengaged position to an engaged position, wherein in the engaged position the ring gear is grounded to the frame, and the gear set is coupled to transfer torque between the drive motor and the cable drum. An engagement mechanism can be coupled between the locking element and the drive motor to automatically move the locking element from the disengaged position to the engaged position and to automatically decouple the locking element from the drive motor when the motor is rotated.

Abstract: Winches with integrated lighting, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch with integrated lighting can include a frame, a cable drum rotatably supported by the frame, a drive motor operatively connected to the cable drum, and an electrical module. The electrical module can include a housing with first and second end caps coupled to the housing. An elongate light guide can be mounted to the housing between the housing and the cable drum with one or more drum light sources connected to the elongate light guide.

Abstract: A modular running board system for attachment to a vehicle comprising a first running board member and a second running board member each having an exterior end and an interior end portion; a member connector, a structural frame bracket, and at least one seam covering step pad, wherein: (a) the interior end portions each accepts and attaches to a portion of the member connector forming a running board structural assembly having a connection seam (b) the at least one seam covering step pad attaches to the running board structural assembly and hides the connection seam from exterior view forming a seamless finished appearance; and (c) the structural frame bracket includes (i) a connection portion for attachment to the running board structural assembly, and (ii) a structural frame portion for attachment to structural frame of the vehicle.