Patent Publication Number: US-10767821-B2

Title: Fairlead with a lighting system

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/587,299, entitled “A Fairlead with a Lighting System,” filed on May 4, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/331,558, entitled “A Fairlead with a Lighting System,” filed on May 4, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present application relates generally to lighting systems for a fairlead. 
     SUMMARY/BACKGROUND 
     A fairlead, such as a hawse fairlead, may be used to guide and restrict lateral movement of a rope and/or cable, as the rope and/or cable is pulled through the fairlead. Fairleads may be used in winches, hoists, boats, and other applications where a rope and/or cable is subjected to bi-directional motion. In some applications, such as in winching operations, it may be desirable to attach lights to the fairlead to increase visibility. The lights may be attached to a frame of the fairlead, and may provide increased illumination in front of the fairlead. 
     However, the inventors herein have recognized several problems with such fairleads. As one example, aftermarket lights that are attached to the fairlead may require increased electrical wiring, leading to added expense. Further, such attachable fairlead lights may be exposed to environmental elements, such as rain, snow, dirt, mud, etc., which may degrade the lights. Additionally, multiple lights must be added to the fairlead to provide both front and rear lighting of the fairlead. Thus in one example, the above issues may be at least partially addressed by a fairlead, comprising: a frame including a central, first opening and a second opening spaced away from the first opening; and a lighting system included within the frame, the lighting system comprising a plurality of lights disposed within and extending along the second opening. In some examples, the integrated lighting system may include LED lights. The LED lights may comprise a circuit board including a semiconductor light source that generates visible light in response to a supplied electric current. The circuit board may be in face-sharing contact with inner walls of the frame within the second opening. 
     In this way, the structural integrity and longevity of fairlead lights may be increased by integrating the lighting system within the frame of the fairlead and thus reducing exposure to environmental elements. Further, heat dissipation from the circuit board of the LED lights may be increased by positioning the circuit board in physical contact with the frame of the fairlead. As such, performance and operational periods of the lights may be increased. 
     It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a front view of a fairlead including a first example integrated lighting system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top view of the fairlead of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of the fairlead of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of the fairlead of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the fairlead of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  shows a front view of a fairlead including a second example integrated lighting system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of the fairlead of  FIG. 6 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  shows a front perspective view of a roller fairlead that includes a third example of an integrated lighting system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of a roller fairlead that includes a fourth example of an integrated lighting system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  shows a front perspective view of a roller fairlead that includes a fifth example of an integrated lighting system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  shows a front perspective view of the fairlead of  FIG. 1 , including a sixth example of an integrated lighting system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  shows a front perspective view of a fairlead including a seventh example of an integrated lighting system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  shows a front perspective view of a fairlead including an eighth example of an integrated lighting system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  shows a front perspective view of a fairlead including a ninth example of an integrated lighting system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  shows a front perspective view of a fairlead, including the sixth example of an integrated lighting system, as it may couple to a vehicle bumper, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  shows a side view of the fairlead of  FIG. 16 , as it may couple to a vehicle bumper and an example embodiment of a control system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  shows a top view of the lights of an integrated lighting system in one example aiming configuration. 
     
    
    
     The figures are drawn to scale, although other relative dimensions may be used, if desired. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description relates to fairleads, and in particular to lighting systems for fairleads. A fairlead, such as any of the example hawse fairleads shown in  FIGS. 1-7 and 11-16  and/or example roller fairleads shown in  FIG. 8 , may guide and restrict lateral movement of a rope and/or cable, as the rope and/or cable is pulled through the fairlead. Specifically, the rope and/or cable may extend through a first opening in the fairlead and lateral movement of the rope and/or cable may be constrained to within the first opening. The fairlead may additionally include one or more additional openings that house an integrated lighting system. In some examples, the integrated lighting system may be inserted into a second opening of the fairlead frame from a back of a frame of the fairlead, as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . In the description herein, such examples where the lighting system is loaded into the frame from a back of the frame may be referred to as “back-loaded.”  FIGS. 6-7  show examples embodiments where the lighting system may be loaded into the frame from a front of the frame. In the description herein, such examples where the lighting system is loaded into the frame from the front of the frame may be referred to as “front-loaded.”  FIG. 8  shows an example of a roller fairlead that may include an integrated lighting system (e.g., in either the back-loaded or front-loaded configuration).  FIGS. 9 and 10  show examples of roller fairleads that may include a front-loaded integrated lighting system. By integrating the lights within the frame of the fairlead, heat dissipation from the lighting system may be increased, and the complexity of the system may be reduced.  FIG. 11  shows an example fairlead that includes an integrated lighting system that may include more than one separate lighting element, and the frame of the fairlead may be a single piece (e.g., forged).  FIG. 12  shows an example of a fairlead that includes an integrated lighting system that may be coupled to a two-piece fairlead frame using a suitable attachment method.  FIG. 13  shows an example of a fairlead that includes integrated lighting system light components on a first and a second side of the fairlead opening, the first and second sides being opposite one another about an axis through the center of the fairlead opening.  FIG. 14  shows an example of a fairlead that includes an integrated light assembly that may be mounted between a bumper and a fairlead. It will be appreciated that any and all of the fairlead embodiments included in this disclosure may be mounted to the surface of a vehicle bumper and may include a control system, as shown in  FIG. 15 . Additionally, some integrated light systems may be configured with a coupling mechanism between a front surface of the bumper and the fairlead, as shown in  FIG. 16 . In some examples, an integrated lighting system may be configured to adjust the angle of one or more light subassemblies in order to illuminate a desired area or object, as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
       FIGS. 1-17  show the relative positioning of various components of a fairlead. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such components may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, components shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example, components lying in face-sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact or physically contacting one another. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. 
     Further,  FIGS. 1-17  include an axis system  150 , which may be used to describe the relative positioning of components of the fairlead. The axis system  150  may include a vertical axis  152 , a lateral axis  154 , and a longitudinal axis  156 . The axes  152 ,  154 , and  156  may be orthogonal to one another, thereby defining a three-dimensional axis system. As used herein, “top/bottom”, “upper/lower”, and “above/below”, may be relative to the vertical axis  152  and may be used to describe the positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another along the vertical axis  152 . Thus, a first component described as “vertically above” a second component may be positioned vertically above the second component relative to the vertical axis  152  (e.g., in a positive direction along axis  152  relative to the second component). Similarly, “to the left/right of,” and “to the side of” may be used to describe the positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another along the lateral axis  154  and may be used to describe the positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another along the lateral axis  154 . Further, “in front of,” and “behind” may be relative to the longitudinal axis  156  and may be used to describe the positioning of element of the figures relative to one another along the longitudinal axis  156 . 
     As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-5 , they show a first example embodiment of the fairlead  10 , including a back-loaded integrated lighting system.  FIGS. 1-4  show different views of the frame  120  of the first example embodiment of the fairlead  10 , while  FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the frame  120  and the back-loaded integrated lighting system. 
     Focusing on  FIG. 1 , it shows a front view  100  of a fairlead  10 . The fairlead  10  comprises a fairlead housing or frame  120 . The frame  120  may include a front-facing surface  102  opposite a rear-facing surface  104 , a top-facing surface  106  opposite a bottom-facing surface  108 , and a first side surface  110  opposite a second side surface  112 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 1 , the side surfaces  110  and  112  may be the same and/or similar size and shape. Further, the side surfaces  110  and  112 , may each include three substantially planar edges, where one of the edges of each of the side surfaces  110  and  112  is approximately orthogonal to the top-facing surface  106  and bottom-facing surface  108 . However, in other examples, each of the side surfaces  110  and  112  may include more or less than three edges. For example, the side surfaces  110  and  112  may include a single planar edge that connects the top-facing and bottom-facing surfaces  106  and  108 , respectively. 
     In some examples, one or more of the top-facing surface  106  may be parallel the bottom-facing surface, the front-facing surface  102  may be parallel the rear-facing surface  104 , and at least one of the edges of the first side surface  110  may be parallel to at least one of the edges of the second side surface  112 . A central axis X-X′ of the frame  120  is shown in  FIG. 1 , where the central axis X-X′ may be centrally positioned with respect to the frame  120  and may extend through the frame  120  from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface  104 . Thus, the central axis X-X′ may be perpendicular to the front-facing surface  102  and/or rear-facing surface  104 . Further, the axis X-X′ may pass through a center of the frame  120 . 
     In the description herein, a “thickness” of the fairlead frame  120  may be used to define the physical extent of the frame  120  along the axis X-X.′ Thus, the thickness of the frame  120  may refer to the distance between the front-facing surface  102  and the rear-facing surface  104 . Further, a “width” of the frame  120  may be used to refer to the distance between the side surfaces  110  and  112 , and a “height” of the frame  120  may be used to refer to the distance between the top-facing surface  106  and the bottom-facing surface  108 . 
     The frame  120  includes an aperture or first opening  122  through which a rope and/or cable (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) may extend. Thus, the first opening  122  and frame  120  may restrict lateral movement of a rope and/or cable as the rope and/or cable is pulled through the fairlead  10 . The first opening  122  may extend through an entirety of the frame  120 , from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface  104 , such that the rope and/or cable may extend through the fairlead  10 . 
     In some examples, the first opening  122  may be centrally positioned within the frame  120 . As such, the first opening  122  may also be referred to herein as central opening  122 . Thus, the first opening  122  (e.g., opening  122 ) may be centered on the central axis X-X.′ The opening  122  may therefore be equidistant from the top-facing surface  106  and the bottom-facing surface  108 , and/or may be equidistant from the first side surface  110  and second side surface  112 . However, it will be appreciated that in other examples the opening  122  may not be centrally positioned within the frame  120 . For example, as shown in the example of  FIG. 1 , the opening  122  may be positioned more proximate the bottom-facing surface  108  than the top-facing surface  106 . 
     The first opening  122  may be defined at the front-facing surface  102  by a first edge  128  and at the rear-facing surface  104  by a second edge  130 . Said another way, the front-facing surface  102  may include the first edge  128 , where the first edge  128  defines the cross-sectional area of the opening  122  at the front-facing surface  102 . Similarly, the rear-facing surface  104  may include the second edge  130 , which defines the cross-sectional area of the opening  122  at the rear-facing surface  104 . The first edge  128  may also be referred to herein as first perimeter  128 , and second edge  130  may be also be referred to herein as second perimeter  130 , as the edges  128  and  130  may define the perimeter of cross-sections of the opening  122  at the front-facing surface  102  and rear-facing surface  104 , respectively. 
     In some examples, such as the example shown in  FIG. 1 , cross-sections of the opening  122 , taken along a plane parallel to the plane defined by the rear-facing surface  104  and/or front-facing surface  102 , at the front-facing surface  102  and rear-facing surface  104  may define the same or similar shape. Further, in some examples, cross-sections of the opening  122  may define the same or similar shape along the axis X-X′ between the front-facing surface and the rear-facing surface  104 . Thus, substantially all of the cross-sections of the opening  122  may be concentric. As such, the opening  122  may be symmetric with respect to the central axis X-X.′ 
     Thus, the edges  128  and  130  may define the perimeter of the same or similar shape. However, in other examples, the edges  128  and  130  may define the perimeter of different shapes and the cross-sections of the opening  122  at the front-facing surface  102  and rear-facing surface  104  may define different shapes. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the edges  128  and  130  may define an obround shape, comprising two parallel lines of equal length, connected by semicircular ends. However, the edges  128  and  130  may be shaped differently to define the perimeters of other geometric and non-geometric shapes such as rectangles, rectangles with rounded corners, ovals, ellipses, circles, etc. Thus, the edges  128  and  130  may define an oblong shape with two straight parallel sides connected by curved ends. In some examples, the curved ends of the central opening  122  may have a first diameter at the front-facing surface  102  and a second diameter at the rear-facing surface  104 , where the first diameter may be larger than the second diameter. However, in other examples, it will be appreciated that the diameters of the curved ends may be the same and/or similar at the front and rear-facing surfaces  102  and  104 , respectively. In yet further examples, the curved ends of the opening  122  may be larger at the rear-facing surface  104  than the front-facing surface  102 . 
     A first perimeter of the first edge  128  may be greater than a second perimeter of the second edge  130 , and thus, the cross-sectional area of the opening  122  may be greater at the front-facing surface  102  than at the rear-facing surface  104 . In this way, the cross-sectional area of the opening  122  may vary from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface. In particular, the cross-sectional area of the opening  122  may monotonically decrease from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface  104 , such as is shown in the example of  FIG. 1 . As such, the first opening  122  includes a continuous curved surface  126  that curves outward from the second edge  130  to the first edge  128 . Thus, the continuous curved surface  126  may be convex. 
     However, in other examples, the first perimeter of the first edge  128  may be the same and/or similar to the second perimeter of the second edge  130 , and therefore the cross-sectional area of the opening  122  may be approximately the same at the front and rear-facing surfaces  102  and  104 , respectively. In such examples, the cross-sectional area of the opening  122  may be relatively constant along the thickness or axis X-X′ of the frame  120  (e.g., when moving from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface  104 ). However, in still further examples, the first perimeter of the first edge  128  may be smaller than the second perimeter of the second edge  130 , and therefore the cross-sectional area of the opening  122  may be larger at the rear-facing surface  104  than the front-facing surface  102 . 
     In some examples, such as the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the edge  128  may be flush with the front-facing surface  102 . Thus, the edge  128  may be continuous with the front-facing surface  102 , and may define an edge of the front-facing surface  102 . However, in other examples, the edge  128 , may be raised from the front-facing surface  102 , such as for example as a raised lip. Thus, in some examples, the edge  128  may be referred to herein as lip  128 . In such examples, where the edge  128  is formed as a lip, the central opening  122  may be formed by the lip (e.g., edge  128 ) in the frame  120  that extends outward from the front-facing surface  102  the frame  120 . Thus, in such examples, the continuous curved surface  126  of the central opening  122  may be defined between an inner edge of the lip  128  and the rear-facing surface  104 . In yet further examples, the edge  128  may be recessed from the front-facing surface  102  and may form a slot or groove. Thus, in some examples, the edge  128  may be referred to herein as slot  128 . In such examples, where the edge  128  is formed as a recessed slot, the central opening  122  may be formed by the recess (e.g., edge  128 ) in the frame  120  that extends inward from the front-facing surface  102  the frame  120 . Thus, in such examples, the continuous curved surface  126  of the central opening  122  may be defined between an inner edge of the lip  128  and the rear-facing surface  104 . 
     Similarly, the edge  130  may be flush with the rear-facing surface  104 , such as in the example shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, the edge  130  may be continuous with the rear-facing surface  104 , and may define an edge of the rear-facing surface  104 . However, in other examples, the edge  130 , may be raised from the rear-facing surface  104 , such as for example as a raised lip. In yet further examples, the edge  130  may be recessed from the rear-facing surface  104 . 
     The fairlead frame  120  may further include one or more bores  132  including a central portion that may extend through an entirety of the frame  120  in the direction of the axis X-X′ and an outer portion surrounding the central portion that extends to the front-facing surface of the bore  132  which may be arranged at the front-facing surface  102 . Specifically, the central portion may define smaller cross-sectional area than the outer portion, and the outer portion may extend from the front-facing surface  102  of the frame  120  into the frame  120 , up to the central portion. The central portion, may then extend from the outer portion to the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 . The transition between the central portion and outer portion may be defined by a step. Thus, the bores  132  may extend from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface  104 . In the description herein, the bores  132  may also be referred to as mounting apertures  132 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 1 , the frame  120  may include two mounting apertures  132 , disposed on opposite sides of the opening  122 . However, in other examples, the frame  120  may include more or fewer than two bores  132 . The bores  132  may be sized to receive fasteners such as bolts, screws, etc., for physically securing the fairlead  10  to a desired structure. Thus, one or more bolts may extend through the bores  132  and fairlead frame  120  and into the desired structure to which the fairlead  10  is to be attached, to physically couple the fairlead  10  to the structure. In one example, an elongated end of the bolt or screw (which may be threaded) may extend through the bore  132  and past the rear-facing surface  104  and an inner side of a head of the bolt or screw may be in face-sharing contact with a front-facing surface of the central portion, and thus the head of the bolt or screw may be arranged within the outer portion of the bore  132 . In this way, the head of the bolt or screw may fit within the outer portion of the bore  132 , and the elongated end of the bolt or screw may extend through the central portion of the bore  132 , and out of the back of the frame  120  through the rear-facing surface  104 . In some examples, a front-facing surface of the head of the bolt or screw may be flush with the front-facing surface  102  of the frame  120 . However, in other examples, the front-facing surface of the head of the bolt or screw may be recessed or raised relative to the front-facing surface  102  of the frame  120 . As one example, the fairlead  10  may be coupled to a winch or to a vehicle in front of the winch, to guide the winch rope and/or cable during winching operation. As another example, the fairlead  10  may be coupled to a hoist to guide the rope and/or cable of the hoist. As yet another example, the fairlead  10  may be coupled to a ship and/or boat for guiding one or more of mooring lines, anchoring cables, etc. 
     The fairlead frame  120  may be constructed from one or more metals, metal alloys, and/or plastics. In one example, the fairlead frame  120  may be constructed from aluminum. However, in other examples, the fairlead frame  120  may be constructed from one or more of steel, iron, etc. Further, the fairlead frame  120  may be constructed from a single metal element or alloy. However, in other examples, the fairlead frame  120  may be a composite, constructed from a combination of more than one metal element or alloy. 
     The frame  120  may further include a second opening  140  configured to house an integrated lighting system comprising a plurality of lights. The integrated lighting system may be a lighting system that is included within the frame  120 . Thus, the integrated lighting system may not be coupled to an exterior surface of the frame  120 . As such, the lights of the integrated lighting system may be fully included within the frame  120  and may not be positioned external to the frame  120 . As shown in the examples of  FIGS. 1-8 , the second opening  140  may be positioned vertically above the opening  122  relative to the vertical axis  152 , and/or relative to an orientation of the fairlead  10  when mounted to a pulling structure (such as a winch). Thus, in the description herein, the second opening  140  may also be referred to herein as top opening  140 . However, it will be appreciated that in other examples, the second opening  140  may not be located above the opening  122 , but rather be spaced away from the opening  122  in another direction. In one example, one or more second openings  140  may be spaced away from and positioned adjacent to opening  122 . In other examples, one or more second opening  140  may be positioned vertically below opening  122 . In further examples, the one or more second openings  140  may be positioned on one or more sides (e.g., adjacent to opening  122  is a horizontal direction parallel with axis  154 ). 
     The second opening  140  may extend through the entirety of the frame  120  from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 . However, in other examples, the second opening  140  may extend through only a portion of the frame  120  from the front-facing surface  102 . In yet further examples, the second opening  140  may extend from the rear-facing surface  104  through only a portion of the frame  120 . In some examples, such as is shown below in the example of  FIG. 5 , the length of the second opening  140  may be less than the length of the first opening  122 . Further, in some examples, the cross-sectional area of the opening  140  may be less than the opening  122 . However, in other examples, the cross-sectional area of the opening  140  may be greater than the opening  122 . 
     In some examples, cross-sections of the opening  140  may define a rectangular shape. However, the cross-sections of the opening  140  may be shaped differently to define the perimeters of other geometric and non-geometric shapes such as rectangles with rounded corners, ovals, ellipses, circles, etc. In some examples, the cross-sectional area of the opening  140  may be approximately the same throughout the frame  120 , when translating from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface  104 . However, in other examples, the cross-sectional area of the opening  140  may vary from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface  104 . 
     Due to the inclusion of the top opening  140 , the edges of the side surfaces  110  and  112  may comprise different lengths. For example top edges  148  of the side surfaces  110  and  112  may be longer than side edges  160  and bottom edges  162  of the side surfaces  110  and  112 . The frame  120  may also include one or more recesses  158  on the front-facing surface  102 . 
     Continuing to  FIG. 2 , it shows a top view  200  of the example embodiment of the frame  120  of the example embodiment of the fairlead  10  described above in  FIG. 1 . The recesses  158  are recessed from the front-facing surface  102  back towards the rear-facing surface  104 . Further, the recesses  158  may be included on the top-facing surface  106  of the frame  120 . Thus, the recesses  158  may be included at the corner of the frame  120 , where the top-facing surface  106  and front-facing surface  102  meet. Thus, the recesses  158  may be recessed from both the top-facing surface  106  and front-facing surface  102 . Thus, the thickness of the frame  120  may be less at the recesses  158 , than at areas of the frame  120  not including the recesses  158 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a wire harness  208  may be directly coupled to a rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 . The wire harness  208  may extend into the frame  120  through the rear-facing surface  104 . Within the frame  120 , the wire harness  208  may be electrically coupled to a circuit board of the fairlead lighting system for supplying electrical current thereto. 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 2 , the front-facing surface  102  may include three substantially planar edges. A front edge  204  may be parallel to the rear-facing surface  104 . Two side edges  206  may be angled relative to the front and rear-facing surfaces  102  and  104 , respectively. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , it shows a bottom view  300  of the example embodiment of the frame  120  of the example embodiment of the fairlead  10  described above in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the recesses  158  are recessed from the front-facing surface  102  back towards the rear-facing surface  104 . Further, the recesses  158  may be included on the bottom-facing surface  108  of the frame  120 . Thus, the recesses  158  may be included at the corner of the frame  120 , where the bottom-facing surface  108  and front-facing surface  102  meet. Thus, the recesses  158  may be recessed from both the bottom-facing surface  108  and front-facing surface  102 . It will be appreciated that recesses  158  may also be configured with lights, as part of an integrated lighting system. In one example, each recess  158  may be configured with one or more LED lights. In some examples, one or more recess  158  may be configured with the same or different color lights, and one or more lights of each recess  158  may be adjustable (e.g., able to pivot, rotate, or tilt) so that each light may be aimed as desired by the operator. Further detail regarding aiming of the integrated lighting will be discussed with reference to  FIG. 17 . 
     Continuing to  FIG. 4 , it shows a side view  400  of the example embodiment of the frame  120  described above in  FIGS. 1-3 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 4 , the wire harness  208  may be included more proximate the top-facing surface  106  than the bottom-facing surface  108 . The wire harness  208  may include one or more electrical wires, and may provide electrical power to a circuit board of the integrated fairlead lighting system as described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     Moving on to  FIG. 5 , it shows an exploded view  500  of the fairlead  10  including the example embodiment of the frame  120  described above in  FIGS. 1-4 , and a back-loaded integrated lighting system  501 . The back-loaded integrated lighting system  501  may be included within the second opening  140 , and may be loaded into the opening  140  from the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 . Thus, the lighting system  501  may be referred to as an integrated lighting system since the lighting system  501  is included within the opening  140  of the frame. As such, the frame  120  houses and includes the lighting system  501 . The lighting system  501  may not be coupled to an external surface of the frame  120 . 
     The back-loaded lighting system  501  may include in order from the front-facing surface  102  to the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 , one or more of a first gasket  5502 , lens  504 , lights  505 , the lights  5505  including a circuit board  5508  and reflectors  506 , a second gasket  5510 , a circuit board mount  512 , and one or more rear-facing lenses  5514 . Thus, the first gasket  502  may be may be in face sharing contact with a rear facing inner surface  503  of the opening  140 . The lens  504 , reflectors  506 , and circuit board  508508  may be included within an interior of a body  513  of the mount  512 , where the lens may be positioned in front of (e.g., more proximate the front-facing surface  102  of the frame  120  than) the reflectors  506 , and the reflectors  506  may be positioned in front of the circuit board  5508 . As described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the wire harness  208  may be electrically coupled to the circuit board  5508  for providing electrical power thereto. Thus, one or more wires from the wire harness  208  may extend into the frame  120 , and may be physically and/or electrically coupled to the circuit board  508 . The wire harness  208  may extend outward from the circuit board  508  in a direction away from a rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 . 
     In some examples, the lights  505  may be LEDs. Specifically, the circuit board  508  may be a printed circuit board, and may include one or more LED semiconductors or crystal light sources such as gallium phosphide, aluminum gallium arsenide, gallium arsenide phosphide, silicon carbide, silicon, etc. When an electric field (e.g., electric current) is supplied to the circuit board  508 , light may be emitted by the semiconductor light sources in what is commonly referred to as electroluminescence. The reflectors  506  may direct the visible light waves generated by the LED semiconductor light sources, and focus them towards the front-facing surface  102  of the frame  120 . It will be appreciated that in other examples, lights other than LEDs may be used such as fluorescent, incandescent, high-intensity discharge, etc. Reflectors  506  may include one or more components, as shown in the example of  FIG. 5 , but it will be appreciated that reflectors  506  may also be a single component. The depicted example shows six lights  505  with reflectors  506 , but it will be appreciated that more or fewer lights and reflectors may be used. In one non-limiting example, one long light with one long reflector may be used. Additionally, it will be appreciated that one or more of the lights  505  and reflectors  506  may be actuatable so an operator may focus the light from each light  505  and reflector  506 , or a subset of the lights  505  and reflectors  506  in a desired direction. Further detail with respect to this possible embodiment will be discussed with reference to  FIG. 17 . The light waves may pass through the lens  504  and out the front of the frame  120 . 
     The first gasket  502  may be in face sharing contact with each of the rear facing inner surface  503  of the second opening  140  of the frame  120 , and the lens  504 . In particular, the first gasket  502  may be in sealing contact with the rear facing inner surface  503  of the second opening  140 , and the lens  504 . In this way, the first gasket  502  may provide a seal between the frame  120  and the lens  504 . In this way, the gasket  502 , lens  504 , and body  513  of the mount  512  may provide a seal with respect to the front-facing surface  102  of the frame  120 . 
     However, in other examples, the first gasket  502  may be in face sharing contact with each of the rear facing inner surface  503  and a forward facing outer surface  516  of the body  513  of the circuit board mount  512 . Thus, in some examples, the first gasket  502  may be positioned between the mount  512 , and the rear facing inner surface  503  of the second opening  140 . As such, the gasket  502  may be in sealing contact with the body  513  of the mount  512 , and the rear facing inner surface  503  of the second opening  140 . However, in other examples, the first gasket  502  may surround the body  513  of the circuit board mount  512 . In such examples, the forward facing outer surface  516  of the body  513  may directly contact the rear facing inner surface  503  of the second opening  140 . 
     The forward facing outer surface  516  of the body  513  may be spaced away from an outer flange  515  of the circuit board mount  512 . More specifically, the circuit board mount  512 , may include the body  513  that extends inwards, into the frame  120 , towards the front-facing surface  102 , and an outer flange  515  that is in face sharing contact with and physically coupled to the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 . The flange  515  may include one or more holes  524  for receiving fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc., for physically coupling the mount  512  to the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 . The flange may be raised from the outer surfaces of the body  513 , such that the flange  515  has a larger cross-sectional area than the body  513 . The forward facing outer surface  516  of the body  513 , may be the front end of the mount  512 , and thus may be the most inwardly projecting part of the mount  512 . The body  513  includes an opening  522  defined by inner surfaces  518  of body  513 . Opening  522  may also be referred to herein as mount central opening  522 . 
     The lights  505 , including the circuit board  508  and reflectors  506  may be positioned behind the lens  504 . The lens  504 , and lights  505  may be positioned within the opening  522 . In particular, the lights  505  may be fully included within the opening  140  of the frame  120 . Thus, no portion of the lights  505  may be positioned exterior to the frame  120 , when the lighting system  501  is assembled within the frame  120 . Further, the lights  505  may not be coupled to an exterior surface of the frame  120  (e.g., front-facing surface  102  and rear-facing surface  104 ) and may be coupled to an interior surface (e.g., interior walls of opening  140 ). 
     In some examples, the gasket  502  may surround the edges of the lens  504 , and thus may form a border around the lens  504 . Further, the circuit board  508  may be physically coupled to a rear surface  517  of the mount  512 . Specifically, a rear surface  519  of the circuit board  508  may be coupled to an interior of the rear surface  517  of the mount  512 . The mount  512  may be closed at the back or rear surface  517 . Thus, the mount  512  may be closed at the back edge of the flange  515 . However, in other examples, the rear surface  517  may be closed except for one or more cut-outs, sized and shaped to receive one or more rear lenses  514 . Thus, the rear lenses  514  may be received within the rear surface  517  of the mount  512 , and as such, light from the circuit board  508  may be emitted out the back end of the fairlead  10 , from the rear-facing surface  104 . By including rear lenses  514 , visible light from the lights  505  may be directed backwards towards the structure to which the fairlead  10  may be coupled. 
     Thus, in some examples, the circuit board  508  may include a plurality of LED semiconductor or crystal light sources on a front surface  521 , and a second set of LED semiconductor or crystal light sources on the rear surface  519 , the front surface  521  opposite the rear surface  519 . The LED semiconductor or crystal light sources on the front surface  521  may propagate light towards the front-facing surface  102 , and out of the frame  120  via the lens  504 . Similarly, the LED semiconductor or crystal light sources on the rear surface  519  of the circuit board  508  may propagate light towards the rear-facing surface  104 , and out of the frame  120  via the rear lenses  514 . Thus, the first set of LED semiconductor or crystal light sources on the front surface  521 , and second set of LED semiconductor or crystal light sources on the rear surface  519  may propagate light in approximately opposite directions. Circuit board  508  may be disposed within the second opening  140  and outer edges of the circuit board  508  may be in face sharing contact with inner walls (e.g., inner surfaces  518 ) of the frame which form the second opening  140 . The plurality of lights may comprise the circuit board and a plurality of reflectors, the circuit board including a first set of LED semiconductor light sources (e.g., lights and reflectors  506 ) on a front first surface  521  and a second set of LED semiconductor light sources (e.g., rear lenses  514 ) on a rear second surface, the rear second surface of the circuit board opposite the front first surface of the circuit board  508 . In other words the circuit board  508  further includes a second set of LED semiconductor light sources on a rear second surface, the rear second surface of the circuit board  508  opposite the front first surface  521  of the circuit board  508 , and where light generated by the second set of LED semiconductors passes through the rear-facing lenses  514  and out of the rear-facing surface of the frame  104 . In this way, rear lenses  514  may serve to provide aesthetically pleasing backlighting of the fairlead. 
     In some examples, when the integrated lighting system  501  is assembled within the opening  140 , and the mount  512  is coupled to the frame  120 , the rear surface  517  of the mount  512  may be approximately flush with the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 . However, in other examples, the rear surface  517  may be raised or recessed relative to the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 . The circuit board  508  may be disposed within the mount central opening  522  in front of the rear surface  517  of the mount  512 . Further, when the lighting system  501  is assembled within the opening, and the mount  512  is coupled to the frame  120 , outer edges of the circuit board  508  may be in face sharing contact with inner surfaces  518  of the circuit board mount  512 . The mount  512  may comprise a thermally conductive material such as a metal. By positioning the circuit board  508  in face sharing contact with the mount  512 , heat may be dissipated from the circuit board, through the mount  512 , and into the frame  120 , via conduction. Thus, an amount of heat dissipated from the circuit board  508  may be increased by positioning the circuit board  508  in contact with thermally conductive materials of the mount  512  and/or frame  120 . 
     The reflectors  506  may be mounted within the mount central opening  522  of the circuit board mount  512 , in front of the circuit board  508 , with respect to the front-facing surface  102  of the frame  120 . In some examples, the plurality of reflectors  506  surround the plurality of LED semiconductor materials included on the circuit board  508 . In particular, the reflectors  506  and LED semiconductor materials of the circuit board  508  may be arranged in a line along the second opening  140 . Thus, the lights  505  may be arranged along a line parallel to the lateral axis  154  across the opening  140 . However, in other examples, the reflectors  506  and LED semiconductor materials of the circuit board  508  may be arranged in another manner within the opening  140  such as in a grid, array, columns, rows, or other patterns. 
     The second gasket  510  may be positioned around a perimeter of the outer surface of the body  513  of the circuit board mount  512 . Further, the second gasket  510  may be positioned between and/or in face sharing contact with each of a forward facing surface  526  of the outer flange  515  and the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 , around the second opening  140 . Thus, the second gasket  510  may surround the body  513 , and may be in sealing contact with the body  513  and rear-facing inner surface  503  of the second opening  140 . In this way, the second gasket  510  may provide a seal between the rear-facing surface  104  of the frame  120 , and the mount  512 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6-7 , they show a second example embodiment of a fairlead  650 , including a front-loaded integrated lighting system  601 . Thus, in the examples of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the front-loaded integrated lighting system  601  may be loaded into an opening  640  that may be similar to opening  140  (shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ) of the frame  620  through the front-facing surface  609  of the frame  620 , instead of through rear-facing surface  611  (which may be similar to rear-facing surface  104 , as is described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 ).  FIG. 6  shows a front view of the frame  620  of a second example embodiment of a fairlead with an integrated lighting system, while  FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of the frame  620  and the front-loaded integrated lighting system  601 . 
     Focusing now on  FIG. 6 , it shows a front view  600  of a second example embodiment of the frame  620  of the second example embodiment of a fairlead. It will be appreciated that in some examples, frame  620  may be similar or share features with frame  120 , as described with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 . Frame  620  is configured to house a front-loaded integrated lighting system  601 . In particular, front view  600  shows a view of the fairlead  650 , fully assembled, with the front-loaded integrated lighting system  601  already loaded into the frame  620 . 
     As such, opening  640  (which may be similar to  140  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 ) may not be visible in  FIG. 6 , as a bezel  602  of the front-loaded integrated lighting system  1001  is covering the opening  640 . In some examples, the bezel  602  may be flush with the front-facing surface  609  of the frame  620 , when the front-loaded integrated lighting system  601  is assembled. Specifically, a front surface  603  of the bezel  602  may be flush with the front-facing surface  609  of the frame  620 . However, in other examples, the front surface  603  of the bezel  602  may be recessed or raised relative to the front-facing surface  609  of the frame  620 . The bezel  602  may retain components of the front-loaded integrated lighting system  601  within the frame  620 , and/or may provide a seal with the front-facing surface  609  of the frame  620 . 
     The bezel  602  may be physically secured to the front via fasteners such as bolts, screws, etc. As such, the bezel  602  may include a plurality of holes  604  positioned proximate a perimeter of the bezel  602  for receiving the fasteners.  FIG. 6 , shows a plurality of fasteners  606  extending through the holes  604  of the bezel, into the frame  620 , for physically securing the bezel and lighting system  601  to the frame  620  of the fairlead  650 . It will be appreciated that more or fewer fasteners may be used. However, in other examples, the bezel  602  may be physically secured via an adhesive. It will be appreciated that any suitable method of coupling the bezel  602  to the frame  620  may be used. 
     Moving on to  FIG. 7 , it shows an exploded view  700  of the second example embodiment of the fairlead  650  including the frame  620  and front-loaded lighting system  601 . The front-loaded integrated lighting system  601  may be included within the second opening  640 , and may be loaded into the opening  640  from the front-facing surface  609  of the frame  620 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , the second opening  640  extends into the frame  620  from the front-facing surface  609 , but may not extend through the entirety of the frame  620 . Thus, the second opening  640  may extend up to the rear-facing surface  730  of the frame  620 , but the rear-facing surface  730  of the frame  620  may be closed with the exception of one or more cut-outs  720  sized and configured to receive one or more rear lenses  712  and/or a wiring harness  702 . It will be appreciated that the example embodiment of wiring harness  702  may be similar or share similar features to the example embodiment of wiring harness  208 , as referenced by  FIGS. 2-5 . In this way, the second opening  640  may form a cavity in the frame  620  with an opening in the plane of the front-facing surface  609  to receive the front-loaded light system  601 . Thus, a back of the opening  640  may be defined by an interior back surface  718  of the back of the frame  620 . The interior back surface  718  may cover the second opening  640  at the rear-facing surface  730  of the frame  620 . 
     Further, the opening  640  of the frame  620  may include a central opening portion  716  and a lip portion  714 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 7 , the central opening portion  716  may include four relatively, flat planar walls, defining an opening that has an approximately rectangular cross-section. The central opening portion  716  may extend from the interior back surface  718  that defines the back of the opening  640 , up to the lip portion  714 . Further, the lip portion  714 , may similarly include four relatively flat planar edges, defining an opening that has approximately rectangular cross-section. However, the cross section defined by the lip portion  714  may be greater than that of the central opening portion  716 . Further, the thickness of the central opening portion  716  may be greater than that of the lip portion  714 . Thus, the physical extent of the central opening portion  716  between the front-facing surface  609  and rear-facing surface  730  may be greater than that of the lip portion  714 . Further, the lip portion  714  may extend into the frame  620  from a forward slot portion  724  of the opening  640  up to the central opening portion  716 , and may transition to the central opening portion  716  via a step. 
     The cross-section of the opening  640  may be greater at the forward slot portion  724 , than at the lip portion  714  and central opening portion  716 . The forward slot portion  724  may be positioned more proximate the front-facing surface  609  than the lip portion  714  and central opening portion  716 , where the lip portion  714  may be positioned more proximate the front-facing surface  609  than the central opening portion  716 . In the description herein, forward slot portion  724  may also be referred to as first portion  724 , lip portion  714  may be referred to herein as second portion  714 , and central opening portion  716  may be referred to as third portion  716 . Thus, the cross-sectional area of the opening  640  may monotonically decrease when translating from the front-facing surface  609  to the rear-facing surface  730 , where the cross-sectional area of the opening  640  may be defined by the first portion  724 , second portion  714 , and third portion  716 . 
     The front-loaded lighting system  601  may include in order from the front-facing surface  609  to the rear-facing surface  730  of the frame  620 , one or more of the bezel  602 , a gasket  732 , lens  734 , lights  735 , the lights  735  including a circuit board  738  and reflectors  736 , and one or more rear lenses  712 . The circuit board  738  may be the same or similar to circuit board  508  described above with reference to  FIG. 5 , the reflectors  736  may be the same or similar to reflectors  506  described above with reference to  FIG. 5 , and the lenses  734  and  712  may be the same or similar to lenses  504  and  514 , respectively, described above with reference to  FIG. 5 . Thus, a first set of LED semiconductor or crystal light sources may be coupled to a front surface  721  of the circuit board  738  and may project visible light towards the front-facing surface  609  and out of the front of the frame  620  via the reflectors  736  and lens  73734 , and a second set of LED semiconductor or crystal light sources may be coupled to a rear surface  719  of the circuit board, opposite the front surface  721 , and may project visible light towards the rear-facing surface  730  and out of the back of the frame  620  via the lenses  712 . 
     The lights  735  may be fully included within the opening  640  of the frame  620 . Thus, no portion of the lights  735  may be positioned exterior to the frame  620 , when the lighting system  601  is assembled within the frame  620 . Further, the lights  735  may not be coupled to an exterior surface of the frame  620  (e.g., front-facing surface  609  and rear-facing surface  730 ) and may be coupled to an interior surface (e.g., interior walls of opening  640 ). 
     Further, the reflectors  736  and LED semiconductor materials of the circuit board  738  may be arranged in a line along the second opening  640 . Thus, in some examples, the lights  735  may be arranged along a line parallel to the lateral axis  154  extending across the opening  640 . However, in other examples, the reflectors  736  and LED semiconductor materials of the circuit board  738  may be arranged in another manner within the opening  640  such as in a grid, array, columns, rows, or other patterns. 
     In some examples, the circuit board  738  may be in face-sharing contact with the interior back surface  718  of the frame  620 . Specifically, the rear surface  719  of the circuit board  738  may be in face-sharing contact with the back surface  718  of the frame  620 . Additionally or alternatively, outer edges of the circuit board  738  may be in face-sharing contact with interior walls of the frame  620  in the opening  640 . Specifically, the circuit board  738  may be positioned within the central opening portion  716  of the opening  640  of the frame  620 , and thus may physically contact the interior walls of the frame  620  at the central opening portion  716  of the opening  640  via the outer edges of the circuit board  738 . By positioning the circuit board  738  in face sharing contact with the frame  620 , heat may be dissipated from the circuit board  738  directly into the frame  620 , via conduction. Thus, an amount of heat dissipated from the circuit board  738  may be increased by positioning the circuit board  738  in contact with the thermally conductive frame  620 . 
     The rear lenses  712  may be positioned within the cut-outs  720  on the back of the frame  620 , and in some examples, may be flush with the rear-facing surface  730  of the frame  620 . Further, the rear lenses  712  may be flush with the interior back surface  718  of the opening  640 . In this way, objects behind the fairlead  650  may be illuminated by powering on the lights  735 . Additional cut-outs  722  may be provided to accept wiring harness  702 . 
     As described above with reference to  FIG. 5 , the reflectors  736  may be positioned in front of the circuit board  738 , and the lens  734  may be positioned in front of the reflectors  736 . In some examples, the circuit board  738 , reflectors  736 , and lens  734  may be positioned within the central opening portion  716  of the opening  640  of the frame  620 . The gasket  732  may be positioned between the lens  734  and the bezel  602 . As such, the gasket  732  may be in sealing contact with the lens  734  and the bezel  602  and may form a seal with the lens  734  and bezel  602 . Thus, the bezel  602 , gasket  732 , and lens  734  may form a seal with the front-facing surface  609  of the frame  620 . As such, the lighting system  601  may be in sealing contact with the front-facing surface  609  of the frame  620 . 
     In some examples, outer edges of the gasket  732  may physically contact inner edges of the lip portion  714  of the opening  140 . In such examples, the gasket  732  may be positioned in the opening  140  at the lip portion  714  and may physically contact a front-facing surface of the central opening portion  716 . Thus, the gasket  732  may abut the central opening portion  716 . In this way, a front-facing surface of the gasket  732  may physically contact a rear surface  743  of the bezel, and the rear-facing surface of the gasket  732 , opposite the front-facing surface may physically contact the front-facing surface of the central opening portion  716 . 
     However, in other examples, the gasket  732  may be positioned within the central opening portion  716 , and outer edges of the gasket  732  may physically contact inner surfaces of the central opening portion  716  of the opening  140 . In such examples, a front-facing surface of the gasket  732  may physically contact a rear surface  743  of the bezel  602 , and the rear-facing surface of the gasket  732 , opposite the front-facing surface may physically contact the lens  734 . 
     In yet further examples, the gasket  732  may be positioned in the first portion  724  between the lip portion  714  and the bezel  602 . Thus, in such examples, the gasket  732  may abut the lip portion  714 . In this way, a front-facing surface of the gasket  732  may physically contact the rear surface  743  of the bezel  602 , and the rear-facing surface of the gasket  732 , opposite the front-facing surface may physically contact the front-facing surface of the lip portion  714 . 
     In examples, where the gasket  732  is not positioned between the bezel  602  and the lip portion  714 , the rear surface  743  of the bezel  602  may physically contact the front-facing surfaces of the lip portion  714  of the opening  140 . Thus, the front surface  603 , opposite the rear surface  743 , may be flush with the front-facing surface  102  of the frame  120 . The bezel  602  may therefore extend into the opening  140  along the first portion  724 . Thus, the bezel  602  may fit within the first portion  724  of the opening  140 , and may physically contact the front-facing surfaces of the lip portion  714 . In some examples, the front-facing surface of the lip portion  714  and/or front-facing surfaces of the central opening portion  716  may be parallel to the front-facing surface  102  of the frame  120 . 
     The lip portion  714 , may further include one or more grooves  715  along the inner edges, for receiving the fasteners  606 . Further, the central opening portion  716  may include one or more holes  717  on a front-facing surface of the central opening portion  716  for receiving the fasteners  606 . The fasteners  606  may extend past the grooves  715  and into the holes  717  to physically couple the bezel  602  to the frame  120 , and thereby retain the components of the integrated lighting system  1001  within the frame  120 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , it shows a front perspective view  800  of an embodiment of a fairlead  850 , where the fairlead  850  is configured as a roller fairlead including an integrated lighting system. Thus, although  FIGS. 1-7  show the integrated lighting system included within a hawse fairlead (e.g., fairlead  10  and fairlead  650 ), it will be appreciated that the integrated lighting system may also be included in a roller fairlead, such as is shown in the example of  FIG. 8 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 8 , the fairlead  850  may include four rollers: a pair of first rollers  8802 , and a pair of second rollers  804 . The second rollers  804  may be shorter than the first rollers  802  as depicted in the example of  FIG. 8 . However, in other examples, the rollers  802  and  804  may be approximately the same length, while in other examples, the second rollers  804  may be longer than the first rollers  802 . The first rollers  802  may be positioned more proximate the rear-facing surface  806  of the frame  820 , than the second rollers  804 . Further, the first rollers  802  may be positioned at the rear-facing surface  806  of the frame  820 . Thus, the first rollers  802  may be positioned behind the second rollers  804 . In other examples, the first rollers  802  may be positioned in front of the second rollers  804 . Further, it will be appreciated that the fairlead  10  may include two rollers that includes one of the pair of first rollers  802  or the pair of second rollers  804 . 
     The rollers  802  and  804  may rotate about respective rotational axes. The second rollers  804  may be positioned parallel to one another such that their rotational axes are parallel to one another. Further, the rollers  804  may be spaced a distance apart from one another. In particular, the rollers  804  may be spaced vertically away from one another, such that one of the rollers  804  is positioned vertically above the other. Thus, the distance between the rollers  804  may define the height of the opening  822 . Similarly, the first rollers  802  may be positioned parallel to one another such that their rotational axes are parallel to one another. Further, the rollers  802  may be spaced a distance apart from one another. In particular, one of the rollers  802  may be positioned proximate the first side  810 , while the other one of the rollers  802  may be positioned proximate the second side  814 . The distance between the rollers  802  may define the height of the opening  822 . Similarly, the distance between the rollers  804  may define a width of the opening  822 . 
     Thus, the perimeter or cross-sectional area of the opening  822  may be the area defined between the rollers  802  and  804 . A rope and/or cable may extend through the opening  822  between the rollers  802  and  804 . The rope and/or cable may contact the surfaces of the rollers  802  and  804 , and as the rope moves through the frame substantially along the axis X-X,′ the rollers  802  and/or  804  may rotate. 
     The second opening  840  may be included in the frame  820  above the first opening  822  and rollers  802  and  804 . The second opening  840  may house an integrated lighting system, such as either of the integrated lighting systems  501  and  601  described above with reference to  FIGS. 5-7 . Thus, an integrated lighting system may be included in the frame  820  of a roller fairlead such as the embodiment of the fairlead  850  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     As described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the second opening  840  (which may be similar to the second opening  140  of  FIG. 1  and second opening  640  of  FIGS. 6-7 ) may extend through an entirety of the frame  820  from the front-facing surface  82  to the rear-facing surface  806 , in examples where the fairlead  850  includes the back-loaded embodiment of the integrated lighting system. However, in other examples, the second opening  840  may not extend through an entirety of the frame  820 . For example, the opening  640  may extend from the front-facing surface  812  inwards towards the rear-facing surface  806 , but may not extend fully to the rear-facing surface  806 , such as in examples where the fairlead  850  includes the front-loaded embodiment of the integrated lighting system. In yet further examples, the opening  840  may extend from the rear-facing surface  806  inwards towards the front-facing surface  812 , but may not extend fully to the front-facing surface  812 , such as in examples where the fairlead  850  includes the back-loaded embodiment of the integrated lighting system. In this way, an integrated lighting system, such as lighting systems  501  and  601  described above with reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , may be included in a roller fairlead, such as the embodiment of the fairlead  850  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , it shows a front perspective view  900  of an embodiment of a fairlead  950 , where the fairlead  950  is configured as a roller fairlead including an integrated lighting system. Fairlead  950  may be similar to or have features similar to fairlead  850 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In the depicted example of  FIG. 9 , the fairlead  950  may include two rollers: a pair of rollers  902 . It will be appreciated in one non-limiting example, rollers  902  may be identical to the pair of rollers  802 , as described with reference to  FIG. 8 , but that fairlead  950  may also be configured with a pair of rollers similar to the pair of rollers  804 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Specifically, fairlead  950  may be configured with a pair of rollers oriented with cylindrical roller axes parallel to axis  154 , or configured with a pair of rollers oriented with their cylindrical roller axes parallel to axis  152 . Other roller configurations have been contemplated. An opening  922  is defined as the area between the surfaces of the rollers  902  that face each other and a first surface  912  and a second surface  914  of the frame  920 . Opening  922  may be used for passing a winch cable or rope through, as previously described with reference to opening  122  of  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , a front-loaded integrated lighting system is not shown for clarity, but a second opening  940  is shown. Second opening  940  is configured to accept a front-loaded integrated light assembly as previously described. In the example shown in  FIG. 9 , fairlead  950  may include an upper frame  920  and a lower frame  921 . It will be appreciated that the upper frame  920  and the lower frame  921  may be coupled together using bolts, adhesives, weldment, or other suitable fasteners. Fasteners (not shown) may couple the upper frame  920  and the lower frame via one or more aperture  942  in the upper frame  920 . Aperture  942  may have a corresponding aperture (not shown) in the lower frame  921  for receiving the fastener. In embodiments that include weldments and/or adhesives, these may be located along all or part of the surfaces of upper frame  920  and lower frame  921  that are in face-sharing contact when coupled. Alternatively, the upper frame  920  and the lower frame  921  may be formed as one component (e.g., forged). The second opening  940  may extend into the upper frame  920  from the front-facing surface  909 , but may not extend through the entirety of the upper frame  920 . Thus, the second opening  940  may extend up to the rear-facing surface  908  of the upper frame  920 , but the rear-facing surface  908  of the upper frame  920  may be closed, forming an interior back surface  919  of the second opening  940 . In the depicted example, interior back surface  919  may include one or more cut-outs  927 , each cut-out  927  suitably sized and configured to receive one or more rear lenses and/or a wiring harness, such as rear lenses  712  and wiring harness  702  of  FIG. 7 . It will be appreciated that cut-outs  927  may be in any suitable quantity, and of any suitable size to receive lenses, a wiring harness, or other suitable component. In this way, the second opening  940  may form a cavity in the frame  920  with an opening in the plane of the front-facing surface  909  to receive a front-loaded light system, such as front-loaded light system  601 , as shown and described in reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . A bezel  903 , is also shown in  FIG. 9 . It will be appreciated that the configuration and mounting method of bezel  903  may be identical or similar to that of bezel  602 , as described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . It will be appreciated that the example embodiment in  FIG. 9  may also include one or more integrated light systems, with light system components and features similar to those of integrated light system  601  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The integrated light system may be segmented into one or more components, each component integrated into the upper frame  920  and/or lower frame  921  at different locations on the fairlead  950 . In one example, lights may be integrated into one or more of a first side  925  of lower frame  921  and a second side  926  of lower frame  921 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , it shows a front perspective view  1000  of an embodiment of the fairlead  1050 , where the fairlead  1050  is configured as a roller fairlead including an integrated lighting system. Fairlead  1050  may be similar to or have features similar to fairleads  850  and  950 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , respectively. In the example shown in  FIG. 10 , fairlead  1050  may include an upper frame  1020  and a lower frame  1021 . It will be appreciated that the upper frame  1020  and the lower frame  1021  may be coupled together using bolts, adhesives, weldment, or other suitable fasteners. Fasteners (not shown) may couple the upper frame  1020  and the lower frame via one or more aperture  1042  in the upper frame  1020 . Aperture  1042  may have a corresponding aperture (not shown) in the lower frame  1021  for receiving the fastener. In embodiments that include weldments and/or adhesives, these may be located along all or part of the surfaces of upper frame  1020  and lower frame  1021  that are in face-sharing contact when coupled. Alternatively, the upper frame  1020  and the lower frame  1021  may be formed as one component (e.g., forged). A second opening  1040  may extend into the upper frame  1020  from the front-facing surface  1009 , but may not extend through the entirety of the upper frame  1020 . Thus, the second opening  1040  may extend up to the rear-facing surface  1008  of the upper frame  1020 , but the rear-facing surface  1008  of the upper frame  1020  may be closed, forming an interior back surface  1019  of the second opening  1040 . In the depicted example, interior back surface  1019  may include one or more cut-outs  1027 , each cut-out  1027  suitably sized and configured to receive one or more rear lenses and/or a wiring harness, such as rear lenses  712  and wiring harness  702  of  FIG. 7 . It will be appreciated that cut-outs  1027  may be in any suitable quantity, and of any suitable size to receive lenses, a wiring harness, or other suitable component. In this way, the second opening  1040  may form a cavity in the upper frame  1020  with an opening in the plane of the front-facing surface  1009  to receive a front-loaded light system, such as front-loaded light system  601 , as shown and described in reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Thus, the upper frame  1020  may be referred to a housing of the lighting system which is coupled to the lower frame  1021  of the fairlead. A bezel  1003 , is also shown in  FIG. 10 . It will be appreciated that the configuration and mounting method of bezel  1003  may be identical or similar to that of bezel  602 , as described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . It will be appreciated that the example embodiment in  FIG. 10  may also include one or more integrated light systems (not shown), with light system components and features similar to those of integrated light system  601  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . It will be appreciated that the integrated light system for fairlead  1050  may be segmented into one or more components, each component integrated into the upper frame  1020  and/or lower frame  1021  at different openings (e.g., second opening  1040 ) on the fairlead  1050 . In one example, lights may be integrated into an opening located on one or more of a first side  1025  of lower frame  1021  and a second side  1026  of lower frame  1021 . It will be appreciated that lights may also be integrated into the lower frame  1021  of fairlead  1050 , below rollers  1002 . 
     Fairlead  1050  includes four rollers: a pair of first rollers  1002 , and a pair of second rollers  1004 . The second rollers  1004  may be shorter than the first rollers  1002  as depicted in the example of  FIG. 10 . However, in other examples, the rollers  1002  and  1004  may be approximately the same length, while in other examples, the second rollers  1004  may be longer than the first rollers  1002 . The first rollers  1002  may be positioned more proximate the rear-facing surface  1008  of an upper frame  1020 , than the second rollers  1004 . Further, the first rollers  1002  may be positioned at the rear-facing surface  1008  of the upper frame  1020 . Thus, the first rollers  1002  may be positioned behind the second rollers  1004 . In other examples, the first rollers  1002  may be positioned in front of the second rollers  1004 . Further, it will be appreciated that the fairlead  1050  may include two rollers that includes one of the pair of first rollers  1002  or the pair of second rollers  1004 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . The configuration and function of a dual roller system, as shown in  FIG. 10 , was described in detail with reference to  FIG. 8 , and as such will not be duplicated here. It will be appreciated that the rollers  1002  and  1004  may operate similarly to those of  FIG. 8 . 
     The distance between the rollers  1002  may define the height of the first opening  1022 . Similarly, the distance between the rollers  1004  may define a width of the first opening  1022 . Thus, the perimeter or cross-sectional area of the first opening  1022  may be the area defined between the rollers  1002  and  1004 . A rope and/or cable may extend through the first opening  1022  between the rollers  1002  and  1004 . The rope and/or cable may contact the surfaces of the rollers  1002  and  1004 , and as the rope moves through the frame substantially along an axis, similar to the X-X′ axis shown in  FIG. 8 , the rollers  1002  and/or  1004  may rotate. 
     The second opening  1040  may be included in the upper frame  1020  above the first opening  1022  and rollers  1002  and  1004 . The second opening  1040  may house an integrated lighting system, such as the front-loaded integrated light system  601  described above with reference to  FIGS. 6-7 . Thus, an integrated lighting system may be included in the upper frame  1020  of a roller fairlead such as the embodiment of the fairlead  1050  shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , it shows a front perspective view  1100  of an embodiment of the fairlead  1150 , where the fairlead  1150  is configured as a hawse style fairlead including an integrated lighting system. Fairlead  1150  may be identical, similar, or share similar features with fairlead  10 , as shown in and described with reference to  FIG. 1 . Fairlead  1150  includes a frame  1120  with a second opening  1109  to receive an integrated light system  1101 . Integrated light system  1101  may be similar to or share similar features with integrated light system  601  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . It will be appreciated that second opening  1140  may not be visible in  FIG. 11 , as a bezel  1103  is covering the second opening  1140 . In the example embodiment of  FIG. 11 , integrated light system  1101  in which the light system is segmented into two light segments (which may be included in separate openings, in one example)  1127 . It will be appreciated that one or more light segments (e.g., openings for lights of the lighting system)  1127  may be included. In one example, integrated light system may include three light segments contained by bezel  1103 . Additionally the second opening  1140  may also be segmented into a corresponding number of openings to accommodate the light segments. In one example, if there are two light segments, then second opening  1140  may be segmented into two separate openings, each one configured to receive one of the light segments. The light segments  1127  may share a common wiring harness  1126 , or may be configured with a dedicated wiring harness. Apertures  1142  may serve as fastening location for bolts (not shown) to mount the fairlead to a vehicle bumper, in one example. Integrated light system  1101  may be a front-loaded light system, or a back-loaded light system. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 12 , it shows a front perspective view  1200  of an embodiment of the fairlead  1250 , where the fairlead  1250  is configured as a hawse fairlead including an integrated lighting system. Fairlead  1250  may be similar to or share features with fairlead  10  of  FIG. 1  and/or fairlead  1150  of  FIG. 11 . In the example shown in  FIG. 12 , fairlead  1250  may include an upper frame  1220  and a lower frame  1221 . It will be appreciated that the upper frame  1220  and the lower frame  1221  may be coupled together using bolts, adhesives, weldment, or other suitable fasteners. Fasteners (not shown) may couple the upper frame  1220  and the lower frame via one or more aperture  1242  in the upper frame  1220 . Aperture  1242  may have a corresponding aperture (not shown) in the lower frame  1221  for receiving the fastener. In embodiments that include weldments and/or adhesives, these may be located along all or part of the surfaces of upper frame  1220  and lower frame  1221  that are in face-sharing contact when coupled and/or along a seam  1236  where the upper frame  1220  and the lower frame  1221  contact. Alternatively, the upper frame  1220  and the lower frame  1221  may be formed as one component (e.g., forged), as shown in previous embodiments. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 13 , it shows a front perspective view  1300  of an embodiment of the fairlead  1350 , where the fairlead  1350  is configured as a hawse fairlead including an integrated lighting system  1301  (e.g., integrated light system). Fairlead  1350  may be similar to or share similar features with fairlead  10  of  FIG. 1  and fairlead  1250  of  FIG. 12 . Fairlead  1350  may include a main frame  1321  with apertures  1332  on either side of a first opening  1322 . One or more apertures  1332  may receive a fastener (not shown) to mount the fairlead  1350  to a surface of a vehicle bumper, as will be further described in reference to  FIG. 15 . A rope and/or cable from a winch (not shown) may extend through first opening  1322  in the fairlead and lateral movement of the rope and/or cable may be constrained to within the first opening  1322 . Openings  1317 , spaced away from and adjacent to opening  1322  may receive an integrated lighting system  1301 . In the depicted example of  FIG. 13 , openings  1317  may not be visible as lighting system segment  1327  are covering them. As shown, lighting system segments  1327  are located on either side of opening  1322 , outside the apertures  1332 . It will be appreciated that alternatively, lighting system segments  1327  may be located between apertures  1332  and opening  1322 . In some examples, lighting system segments  1327  may be configured to front-load into apertures  1332  after fasteners (not shown) are in place. In this way, a concealed fastener configuration may provide an aesthetically-pleasing front surface  1309 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 14 , it shows a front perspective view  1400  of an embodiment of the fairlead  1450 , where the fairlead  1450  is configured as a hawse fairlead including an integrated lighting system (not shown). It will be appreciated that the fairlead  1450  is configured to receive a front-loaded integrated light system, such as the integrated light system  601  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , but it may also be configured to receive a back-loaded integrated lighting system, such as the integrated lighting system  501  of  FIG. 5 . It will be appreciated that the integrated lighting system for fairlead  1450  may share similar components (e.g., lights, circuit board, bezel, gasket, lenses) with integrated lighting systems  501  and  601  of  FIGS. 5-7 . A first frame  1421  may include an opening  1422 , opening  1422  being similar to opening  122  of fairlead  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . A second frame (also referred to a housing)  1420  may be coupleable to the first frame via a bracket  1460 . In the depicted example, bracket  1460  may include a first set of apertures to receive a fastener (not shown) to couple the bracket  1460  to a rear (e.g., rear-facing) surface  1408  of the first frame  1421 . Bracket  1460  may also include a second set of apertures  1462  to receive a fastener (not shown) to couple the bracket  1460  to the second frame  1420 . As explained further below with reference to  FIG. 15 , bracket  1460  may be sandwiched (e.g., coupled) between the first frame (e.g., fairlead frame)  1421  and a bumper of a vehicle. In this way, a fastener may pass through apertures  1432  and the first set of apertures of the bracket  1460  to couple the fairlead and the second frame  1420  of the lighting system to the bumper. It will be appreciated that any suitable type of fastener may be to couple the bracket  1460  to the first frame  1421  and the second frame  1420 . In the depicted example of  FIG. 14 , the brackets  1460  are configured to mount the second frame  1420  (which houses the integrated lighting system) above the opening  1422 . In other examples, the one or more brackets  1460  may be configured such that they may be inverted to mount the second frame  1420  either above or below the opening  1422 . It will be appreciated that the two brackets  1460  shown in the depicted example may be replaced with a single bracket. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 15 , it shows a front perspective view  1500  of an embodiment of the fairlead  1450  (as shown in  FIG. 14 ), where the fairlead  1450  is configured as a hawse fairlead including an integrated lighting system. Fairlead  1450  is shown coupled to a bumper  1502 , which is coupled to the front of a vehicle  1530 . In the depicted embodiment, the rear surface  1408  of fairlead  1450  is mounted in face-sharing contact with a front surface (e.g., front-facing surface)  1504  of bumper  1502 . In other examples, a mounting bracket or gasket may be provided between the fairlead  1450  and the front surface  1504  of the bumper  1502 . Behind the bumper (e.g., between the bumper  1502  and the vehicle  1530  and behind the front surface  1504 ) a winch  1506  may be mounted. In this way, the winch  1506  may not be visible as viewed from the front of the bumper. In some examples, winch  1506  may extend above the top surface  1508  of bumper  1502 . In other examples, winch  1506  may not extend above the top surface  1508  of bumper  1502 . The winch  1506  includes a winch rope  1544  with a hook  1542  attached thereto. The winch rope  1544  extends from the winch  1506  and through the central opening of the fairlead  1450 . Any of the fairleads disclosed herein may be included as the fairlead shown in  FIG. 15 . In this way, any of the central, first openings of the fairleads disclosed here may be adapted to receive the winch rope  1544  extending from a drum of the winch  1506 . 
     Vehicle  1530  may include a vehicle controller  1560 . Vehicle controller may be coupled to a controller (e.g., lighting controller)  1540  via a vehicle network, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN)  1580 . The controller  1540  may be positioned on or near the bumper  1502 . In one embodiment, the controller  1540  may be a winch controller and located within/on the winch  1506 . In other examples, controller  1540  may be separate from the winch controller. A user input device (e.g., control device  1570 ) may be mounted inside the vehicle  1530  such as on the dashboard, handlebars, roll bars, or another vehicle location, and provide control signals to the controller  1540  and receive feedback signals from the controller  1540 . In another example, the control device  1570  may be a wireless remote or another type of wireless user interface that is located remote from the winch and lighting system of the fairlead. It will also be noted that the controller  1540  may communicate either wirelessly, via CAN  1580 , or through a wired electrical connection with vehicle controller  1560 . 
     As described above, power to the integrated light system may come from a winch  1506  power system, the winch  1506  receiving its power from an external power source such as a vehicle battery or auxiliary battery. The controller may provide control signals to the vehicle controller  1560 , which may supply current from the vehicle battery (not shown) to the integrated lighting system and/or to the winch  1506 . 
     The controller may further include a microcontroller unit (MCU) with memory containing programmable data (e.g., instructions) for operating the integrated light system and/or winch components and other auxiliary systems. For example, the controller  1540  may provide control signals to the integrated light system for controlling operating of the integrated light system, and the integrated light system may provide feedback signals to the MCU of the controller  1540 . Further, the controller  1540  may provide an electrical connection between the vehicle battery and the integrated light system through the associated control inputs. 
     As introduced above, the controller  1540  may be in communication with the vehicle Controller Area Network (CAN) bus  1580  for providing communication between the controller  1540  and a vehicle controller  1560 . The CAN bus  1580  may exchange information using a scheduled periodic rate. Specifically, the controller  1540  may include a CAN module, electrically coupled to the MCU, for providing electronic communication between the controller  1540  and the CAN bus  1580 . The CAN module may convert signals received from the MCU, into a CAN data stream, which may then be transmitted to the vehicle controller  1560  via the CAN bus. Likewise, the CAN module may convert and relay the CAN data stream received from the vehicle controller  1560  into an electrical signal interpretable by the MCU. CAN bus may therefore provide electronic communication between the vehicle controller  1560 , and the CAN module. 
     By connecting the controller to the CAN bus, operation of the integrated light system  1101  and/or winch  1506  may be adjusted based on a model of a vehicle to which the integrated light system and winch  1506  is coupled and/or based on vehicle operating parameters. For example, the integrated light system  1101  may be powered on responsive to an indication from the controller  1540  that the winch  1506  is in operation. In another example, backlighting (e.g., “running lights”) may be illuminated responsive to an indication from vehicle controller  1560  that the vehicle engine is operating. In further examples, an operator may send an indication of a desire to change the illumination levels, illumination color, or the aim of the integrated lighting system  1101 . The controller  1540  will send a signal to the integrated light system to adjust operation of the integrated light system to meet these demands. Further, operation of the integrated light system  1101  may be adjusted based on vehicle and winch operating parameters such as any one or more of winch speed, vehicle speed, vehicle incline, steering angle, engine temperature, brake pressure, engine load, charge state of the battery, and current and/or voltage output from the battery, etc. Additionally, operating of the integrated lighting system  1101  may be adjusted based on environmental conditions such as an indication of ambient light. In one example, the integrated light system  1101 , including backlighting, may be illuminated responsive to an indication of a level of ambient light from a photo diode or light sensor (not shown). Therein, responsive to a vehicle controller  1560  receiving an indication of ambient light below a threshold, the vehicle controller  1560  may send a signal to the controller  1540  to actuate the integrated light system in order to illuminate one or more lights of the integrated light system. In other examples, automatic control of the integrated light system  1101  may be responsive to indications of a vehicle engine running condition, ambient light thresholds, winch operation condition, or an off-road condition indication. 
     Optionally or additionally, fairlead  1150  may include a switch  1538  coupled to the frame of the fairlead. Switch  1538  may be any suitable switch (e.g., toggle, button) that may be used to control the operation of the integrated light system. The switch may be used to send a signal to deliver power to the integrated light system and illuminate lights coupled to the integrated light system. It will be appreciated that the switch  1538  may also be coupled to the bumper, winch, a vehicle dashboard or other suitable location. Thus, a vehicle operator may adjust the operating of the integrated light system  1101  by manipulating a dashboard switch on a dashboard of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the communication between the controller  1540  and the control device  1570  may be performed by a wired connection from the control device  1570  to the integrated light system, and in another embodiment this connection could be wireless. 
     The control device  1570  may also include a microcontroller unit (MCU) for generating control signals to be sent to the integrated light system  1101  and/or winch  1506 . The MCU may contain programmable data (e.g., stored on a memory of the MCU) for processing inputs received from one or more of a display (not shown) and input buttons (not shown) of the user input control device  1570 . The MCU may then send signals corresponding to the received inputs to the MCU of the controller  1540 , which may in turn accordingly adjust operation of the integrated light system and/or winch and/or accessories. Additionally, the control device  1570  may include a power management module (not shown) which may be electrically coupled to the vehicle battery (not shown). However, in another example, the control device  1570  may include its own dedicated battery (now shown), which may be coupled to the power management module for providing electrical power to the control device  1570 . Thus, in some examples, the power management module may be not be coupled to the vehicle battery and may draw electrical power from the dedicated battery. In such examples, the control device may be wirelessly connected to the controller  1540   
     Turning now to  FIG. 16 , it shows a side perspective view  1600  of an embodiment of fairlead  10 , where the fairlead  10  is configured as a hawse fairlead and includes an integrated lighting system  501 . Fairlead  10  is shown in  FIG. 1-5 . In the depicted example, fairlead  10  is shown coupled to a front surface  1604  of a bumper  1602 . Bumper  1602  may be similar to or share similar features with bumper  1502  of  FIG. 15 . In alternate embodiments, fairlead  10  may additionally or alternatively couple to a front surface of a winch. This may occur when the winch protrudes forward of the front surface  1604  of the bumper  1602  or when the winch is mounted to the front surface of the bumper rather than behind the bumper, as shown in  FIG. 15 . According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a switch  1623  may be coupled to the fairlead  1650  and may be actuated by an operator to provide power to the integrated light system  1601 , thereby illuminating the lights or to stop proving power to the integrated light system  1601 , thereby turning the lights off. In the depicted example, switch  1623  is coupled to the side surface  1610  of the second frame  1621 , but it will be appreciated that the switch  1623  may be mounted to any suitable surface of the second frame  1621  or to any suitable surface of first frame  1620 . According to another aspect of the present disclosure, lighting system  1601  may be connected to a controller  1640  for controlling the lighting system and for connecting a power source to the wiring harness of the integrated light system  1601 . Controller  1640  may be coupled to a vehicle controller  1660  (via CAN  1680 ) and a control device  1670 . These control devices may be similar to those described in reference to  FIG. 15 . In one non-limiting example, the controller  1640  may be used to adjust the operational status of the lighting system of fairlead  10 , including at least one of a power on/power off, light color emitted by lights of the lighting system, a light color emitted by backlights of the lighting system (or a separate backlighting system), a light beam aiming angle of the lights of the lighting system, and low/high beam condition of lights of the lighting system. For example, the controller  1640  may receive one or more control signals from one or more control devices  1670  and then send corresponding control signals to the lighting system via the wiring harness  208 . According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the control device is provided so that the lighting system, winch (e.g., winch  1506  of  FIG. 15 ), or other auxiliary devices may communicate with the control device  1670  on a unique identification code that is established by the device through an operator “pairing” process. 
     In one example, the control device  1670  may be a wireless remote control device for controlling the lighting system which may include a first button that is dedicated to control the power to the light system (e.g., an on/off switch). The wireless remote may include a second button dedicated to control a lighting level of the lighting system (e.g., a high beam or low beam condition). A high beam condition may be suitable for use in low-light or night time conditions. A low beam condition may be suitable for use in a daytime condition or for aesthetic effect. The control device may include a third button configured for adjusting the aim of the lighting system. In one example, an operator may wish to aim the lights downward to illuminate the area immediately to the front of a vehicle (not shown). In other examples, the operator may wish to direct illumination from the lighting system to an elevated focal point, toward a horizon or skyward, for example. It will be appreciated that for embodiments that include more than one lighting segment, individual lighting segments may be controlled collectively or individually. In one example, a lighting segment located above opening  122  may be aimed in a first direction, while a lighting segment located below opening  122  may be aimed in a second direction, the first direction different than the second direction. In alternate embodiments, control device may include a single toggle button for controlling operating conditions of the integrated light system  1601 , or control device  1670  may include a touchscreen display via which an operator may select different options, functions, and operating modes of the lighting system  1601 . 
     According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless remote can be downloaded with software or data through a data connection to a programming module or computer. The wireless remote can have its software and data modified through a connection to the computer or a programming module. The control device may be powered by a rechargeable battery connected through a plug on a body of the control device. 
     According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the controller  1540  may be configured to distribute vehicle battery power to the control device and lighting system and may be capable of updating the winch controller through wireless communication, and communicate through a secured and encrypted wireless communication protocol. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 17 , it shows a top view  1700  of an embodiment of lights  1705  that may be contained in an integrated light system, such as the integrated light system  501  of  FIG. 5 , integrated light system  601  of  FIG. 7 , integrated light system  1101  of  FIG. 11 , and integrated light system  1301  of  FIG. 13 . In the depicted example, five lights are shown (e.g.,  1706 ,  1708 ,  1710 ,  1712 , and  1714 ), although it will be appreciated that more or fewer lights may be used. Additionally, lights  1705  may not be in a straight line as depicted, rather, they may be located at different locations and integrated into a fairlead (e.g., fairlead  10  of  FIG. 1  in one non-limiting example) in a plurality of configurations.  FIG. 17  demonstrates that the lights  1705  may be adjusted in such a way that the focal point of lights  1705  may be adjusted individually. In the depicted example, light  1706  is adjusted in a direction  1709  that is at an angle  1720  with respect to a direction  1707  which is parallel with axis  156  (which may be perpendicular to a frame of the fairlead in which the lights are integrated into). Likewise, light  1714  is adjusted in a direction  1711  that is at an angle  1721  with respect to the direction  1707  which his parallel with axis  156 . In some examples, all lights may be controlled individually (via a controller, such as controller  1540  and  1640  shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , respectively), while in other examples, subsets of lights may be controlled. Lights may be able to pivot or tilt such that the focal point of each light may be adjusted in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. The brightness and or light dispersion levels may also be controlled. In one example, lights  1706  and  1714  may be adjusted to deliver “flood” lighting, where the light is highly dispersed, illuminating a wide area. Alternately, lights  1708 ,  1710 , and  1712  may be adjusted to deliver “spot” lighting” where the light focus is increased, offering increased illumination over a more focused region. 
     Thus, a fairlead may include an integrated lighting system. The integrated lighting system may be included within the fairlead frame, and may project light from the fairlead frame in more than one direction. Specifically, the integrated lighting system may project light in opposite directions, out the front and back of the fairlead. In this way, a technical effect of increasing ease of attachment, inspection, and operation of the fairlead is achieved by providing lighting to the rear of the fairlead. Further by integrating the lighting system within the frame, the complexity of the fairlead system may be reduced, and the structural integrity of the system may be increased relative to systems where the lights are coupled to an external surface of the fairlead or external to the fairlead frame. 
     Further, the lighting system may comprise LED lights, where LED semiconductor or crystal light sources may be included on a circuit board, and may generate visible light in response to a generated electric field. The circuit board may be in face-sharing contact with the fairlead frame. By positioned the circuit board in face-sharing contact with the fairlead frame, a technical effect of increasing heat dissipation from the circuit board is achieved. In this way, heat degradation to the lights and circuit board may be reduced, and the maximum operating duration of the lights may be increased. 
     As one embodiment, a fairlead comprises: a frame including a central, first opening and a second opening spaced away from the first opening; and a lighting system included within the frame, the lighting system comprising a plurality of lights disposed within and extending along the second opening. In one example, the second opening is positioned adjacent to the first opening. In another example, the second opening is positioned vertically above the first opening. In yet another example, the second opening is positioned to a side of the first opening. 
     In a first example, the lighting system is integrated with the frame and the first opening extends through an entirety of the frame from a front-facing surface to a rear-facing surface of the frame, where the front-facing surface and rear-facing surface are in parallel with one another, and wherein the first opening is defined by a first perimeter at the front-facing surface and a second perimeter at the rear-facing surface, where the first perimeter is larger than the second perimeter and wherein the first opening has a continuous curved surface that curves outward from the second perimeter to the first perimeter. For example, the second opening extends through the entirety of the frame from the front-facing surface to the rear-facing surface of the frame and the second opening has a second length that is shorter than a first length of the second perimeter of the first opening. The fairlead may further comprise a circuit board mount including an outer flange directly coupled to the rear-facing surface of the frame and a body extending outward from the outer flange and into the second opening of the frame, toward the front-facing surface of the frame, wherein an inner surface of the body forms a mount central opening. In one example, the circuit board is disposed within the mount central opening and outer edges of the circuit board are in face sharing contact with the inner surface of the body of the circuit board mount. The fairlead may further comprise a wire harness directly and electrically coupled to the circuit board and extending outward from the circuit board in a direction away from the rear-facing surface of the frame. Further, the plurality of lights may be LED lights, where the lights comprise the circuit board and a plurality of reflectors, the circuit board including a first set of LED semiconductor light sources on a front first surface, and where the plurality of reflectors are mounted within the mount central opening in front of the circuit board with respect to the front-facing surface of the frame. The fairlead may further comprise a lens positioned in front of the plurality of lights relative to the front-facing surface of the frame and further comprising a first gasket positioned between and in face sharing contact with each of a rear facing inner surface of the second opening of the frame and a forward facing outer surface of the lens. In one example, the first gasket is positioned between and in face sharing contact with each of the rear facing inner surface of the second opening of the frame and a forward facing outer surface of the body of the circuit board mount, where the forward facing outer surface of the body is spaced away from the outer flange of the circuit board mount. The fairlead may further comprise a second gasket positioned around a perimeter of an outer surface of the body of the circuit board mount, where the second gasket is further positioned between and in face sharing contact with each of a forward facing surface of the outer flange and the rear-facing surface of the frame, around the second opening. The fairlead may further comprise a plurality of rear-facing lenses, and where the circuit board further includes a second set of LED semiconductor light sources on a rear second surface, the rear second surface of the circuit board opposite the front first surface of the circuit board, and where light generated by the second set of LED semiconductors passes through the rear-facing lenses and out of the rear-facing surface of the frame. 
     In a second example, the lighting system is integrated with the frame, where the first opening extends through an entirety of the frame from a front-facing surface to a rear-facing surface of the frame, where the front-facing surface and rear-facing surface are in parallel with one another, where the second opening extends into the frame from the front-facing surface, and where the rear-facing surface of the frame covers the second opening at the rear-facing surface of the frame, defining a back of the second opening. In one example, a circuit board is disposed within the second opening and outer edges of the circuit board are in face sharing contact with inner walls of the frame which form the second opening, wherein the plurality of lights comprise the circuit board and a plurality of reflectors, the circuit board including a first set of LED semiconductor light sources on a front first surface and a second set of LED semiconductor light sources on a rear second surface, the rear second surface of the circuit board opposite the front first surface of the circuit board. In another example, the rear second surface of the circuit board is in face-sharing contact with the frame at an interior surface of the back of the second opening. In yet another example, the second opening includes a central opening portion, a lip portion, and a forward slot portion, where the central opening portion extends from a back of the second opening up to the lip portion, and where the lip portion extends from the central opening portion up to the forward slot portion, and where the forward slot portion extends from the lip portion up to a front-facing surface of the frame, and where a cross-sectional area of the forward slot portion is greater than that of the lip portion, and where a cross-sectional area of the lip portion is greater than that of the central opening portion, and where the transition between the portions comprises a step. The fairlead may further comprise a bezel coupled to the second opening and forming a portion of the front-facing surface of the frame and further comprising a gasket positioned directly between a lens and the bezel. 
     As another embodiment, a fairlead comprises a frame including a first opening and a second opening, the first and second openings extending through an entirety of the frame from a front-facing surface of the frame to a rear-facing surface of the frame, where the second opening is positioned vertically above the first opening; and a lighting system included within the second opening, the lighting system comprising a plurality of lights and a mount, the mount coupled to the rear-facing surface of the frame. In one example, the mount includes an outer flange directly coupled to the rear-facing surface of the frame and a body extending outward from the outer flange and into the second opening of the frame, toward the front-facing surface of the frame, where an inner surface of the body forms a mount central opening and further comprising a circuit board disposed within the mount central opening, where outer edges of the circuit board are in face sharing contact with the inner surface of the body of the mount. 
     As yet another embodiment, a fairlead comprises: a frame including a first opening extending through an entirety of the frame from a front-facing surface of the frame to a rear-facing surface of the frame, and a second opening disposed above the first opening, the second opening extending only partially through the frame from the front-facing surface; and a lighting system included within the second opening, the lighting system comprising a plurality of lights and a bezel, the bezel coupled to the front-facing surface of the frame. In one example, the second opening includes a central opening portion, a lip portion, and a forward slot portion, where the central opening portion extends from a back of the second opening up to the lip portion, where the lip portion extends from the central opening portion up to the forward slot portion, and where the forward slot portion extends from the lip portion up to the front-facing surface of the frame, and wherein the bezel is directly mounted to front-facing walls of the lip portion which are arranged in parallel with the front-facing surface of the frame. 
     In another representation, a system for a vehicle comprises: a vehicle bumper including a front-facing outer (e.g., front) surface, the vehicle bumper positioned at a front-end (e.g., front) of the vehicle; a winch positioned within the bumper, behind and covered by the front-facing outer surface, the winch including a fairlead mounted to (or coupled to the bumper in front of) a front of the winch and positioned forward of the front-facing outer surface; and a lighting system coupled with the fairlead, where the lighting system and the fairlead are visible from front-end of the vehicle. In one example, the lighting system is integrated with and included within a frame of the fairlead. In another example, the lighting system is mounted directly to a forward-facing surface of a frame of the fairlead. In yet another example, the lighting system is coupled (e.g., sandwiched) between the vehicle bumper and the fairlead via a mounting bracket. For example, the mounting bracket may be positioned between a rear-facing surface of the fairlead and vehicle bumper and the lighting system may be positioned vertically above a central opening of the fairlead that is adapted to receive a rope. For example, the lighting system may be positioned vertically above a top surface of the frame, the top surface arranged perpendicular to the forward-facing surface, via the mounting bracket. 
     In yet another representation, a fairlead assembly comprises: a fairlead including a frame, the frame including a central, first opening adapted to receive a rope; and a lighting system coupled with the frame and including a light source. In one example, the lighting system is directly mounted to the frame. In another example, the lighting system is included within a housing (e.g., upper frame) and the housing is directly mounted to a top of the frame, above the first opening. In yet another example, the lighting system is included within a housing and the housing is coupled to a mounting bracket and the mounting bracket is directly coupled to a rear-facing surface of the frame of the fairlead. For example, the mounting bracket may extend above a top surface of the frame and the lighting system may be positioned above the top surface of the frame and the first opening. In another example, the light source includes a plurality of lights. In yet another example, the frame includes at least one second opening and the lighting system is integrated within the at least one second opening of the frame. In still another example, the frame includes a plurality of second openings (or a second opening segmented into a plurality of openings and corresponding light segments) and the lighting system is integrated within the plurality of second openings. As one example, power (e.g., a power cable or wiring harness) to the light source of the lighting system is routed through the frame of the fairlead. In another example, power to the light source of the lighting system is coupled to the frame. The fairlead assembly may further comprise a second, backlight lighting system. In one example, the light source of the lighting system is a forward-facing light source and the backlight lighting system includes at least one backlight. As one example, the at least one backlight is an LED light source. As another example, the at least one backlight is a colored light. As yet another example, the at least one backlight is a colored light and the forward-facing light source of the lighting system is a white light. In another example, an angle of the light source of the lighting system, relative to the frame, is adjustable. In yet another example, the light source includes a plurality of lights and angled of each light of the plurality of lights is adjustable relative to the frame and other lights of the plurality of lights. 
     In still another representation, a fairlead comprises: a fairlead including a frame, the frame including a central, first opening adapted to receive a rope and a plurality of second openings, each of the plurality of second openings arranged adjacent to the first opening; and a lighting system included within the frame, the lighting system comprising a plurality of lights disposed within the plurality of second openings. 
     In another representation, a system comprises: a fairlead of a winch, the fairlead including a frame and a lighting system integrated within the frame, where the frame includes a central, first opening adapted to receive a rope and a second opening arranged separate from the first opening, where the lighting system is disposed within the second opening; and a controller electronically coupled with the lighting source and in electronic communication with a control device, where the controller includes memory with instructions for controlling the lighting source based on control signals received from the control device. In one example, the control device is one or more of a remote control device and a vehicle controller of a vehicle to which the winch is attached, where the vehicle controller is in communication with the controller via a vehicle control network of the vehicle. In another example, the controller is coupled to a power source of the winch. In yet another example, the controller is a controller of the winch (e.g., winch controller) and the controller is coupled to a vehicle power source. 
     In yet other representations, the integrated lighting system may be both front-loaded and back-loaded, where some of the components of the lighting system may be loaded from the front of the fairlead frame, while other components may be loaded from the back of the fairlead frame. 
     It will be appreciated that the configurations disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. 
     The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.