Abstract:
A system for mounting a light to a vehicle and methods for making and using same is disclosed herein. The system allows for a mounting assembly to be coupled to a front, a rear, or both the front and the rear of the roof of a vehicle. Lights can be mounting via light mounting brackets at various angles using a plurality of detents. The mounting assembly includes hollowed mounting fasteners for routing a light cable through the mounting fastener thereby requiring fewer holes through the roof of the vehicle to prevent water intrusion into the vehicle. The mounting fastener can be covered by a boot for preventing water intrusion into the vehicle. The mounting assembly advantageously can include a diffuser for reducing noise and vibration levels resulting from the coupling between the mounting assembly and the vehicle.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The disclosed embodiments described herein relate generally to vehicle accessories and more particularly but not exclusively, to vehicle light systems. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Truck and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) owners often desire to mount one or more lights and other accessories to the roof of the vehicle. These lights, for example, can be used to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle, the area behind the vehicle, or the bed of the vehicle. Often the owner desires these lights to be mounted at varying orientations to illuminate multiple areas simultaneously. One of the problems faced with the installation of lights to the front of the vehicle is matching the contour of the mount to the curvature of the roof in order to have a flush, stable mounting to prevent vibration and water intrusion. Another problem with mounting lights to the roof of a vehicle is the need to drill holes through the roof for the electrical wiring for the lights in addition to the mounting holes for the mounting brackets. These additions holes present the opportunity for water intrusion into the passenger cabin of the vehicle. Finally, aftermarket vehicle lighting mounts can present noise and/or vibration issues that need to be considered and eliminated. 
         [0003]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for mounting vehicle accessories that overcome the problems set forth above. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary diagram of an embodiment of a system for mounting a light on a vehicle. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary drawing illustrating an embodiment of the front light assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is an exemplary drawing illustrating an embodiment of the front light assembly of  FIG. 2 , wherein that front light assembly has a curved light bar installed. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating an exploded view of one embodiment of the front mounting assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the front light assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the front light bar assembly of  FIG. 5 , wherein the light bar is removed from the front light bar assembly. 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary detailed drawing another alternative embodiment of the front light bar assembly of  FIG. 5 , wherein a power cable of the light bar is received by a mounting fastener. 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  is an exemplary drawing illustrating an embodiment of a diffuser for the front light bar assembly. 
           [0012]      FIG. 9A  is an exemplary drawing illustrating an embodiment of the diffuser of  FIG. 8 , wherein the diffuser is installed on the front light bar assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9B  is an exemplary drawing illustrating an embodiment of the diffuser of  FIG. 8 , wherein the diffuser is not installed. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is an exemplary drawing illustrating an embodiment of rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is an exemplary drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 1 , wherein two lights are installed at the rear light mounting assembly. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is an exemplary drawing illustrating another alternative embodiment of the rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 1 , wherein one light bar is installed at the rear light mounting assembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is an exemplary drawing illustrating one embodiment of the rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 1 , depicting dual light bar brackets installed. 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating an alternative embodiment of the rear light bar assembly of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating an embodiment of the rear light bar assembly of  FIG. 14 , depicting the mounting bar coupled to the vehicle mounting bracket. 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating an embodiment of the rear light bar assembly of  FIG. 14 , depicting an exposed cable channel in the mounting bar. 
           [0021]      FIG. 17  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating an embodiment of a stand-alone view of a single light mounting bracket for the rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 18  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating a stand-alone view of a dual light mounting bracket for a rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 19A  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating another embodiment of a stand-alone view of a single light mounting bracket for the rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 19B  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating another embodiment of a stand-alone view of a single light mounting bracket for the rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 19C  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating another embodiment of a stand-alone view of a single light mounting bracket for the rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 20A  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating another stand-alone view of a dual light mounting bracket for a rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 20B  is an exemplary detailed drawing illustrating another stand-alone view of a dual light mounting bracket for a rear light mounting assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method for mounting a light to a vehicle. 
           [0029]      FIG. 22A  is a beginning of an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a vehicle light mounting assembly. 
           [0030]      FIG. 22B  is an end of an exemplary flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method for manufacturing a vehicle light mounting assembly of  FIG. 22A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a compilation of  FIG. 22A  and  FIG. 22B . 
       
    
    
       [0032]    It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    Since currently available light mounting systems do not allow mounting a variety of different lights to a vehicle, a system and method for mounting a light to vehicle that allows mounting the light a various angles, minimizes the number of holes through the vehicle roof required, minimizes the problem of water intrusion into the passenger compartment, and addresses the problem of vibration and noise due to airflow around the mount is highly desirable. This result can be achieved, according to at least the embodiments disclosed herein, by a system  100  for mounting a light as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0034]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , the system  100  for mounting a light on a vehicle  102  is shown. The vehicle  102  can include any conventional type of passenger vehicle, including a truck or sports utility vehicle. The system  100  can comprise several components. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  can include a front mounting assembly  200  and/or a rear mounting assembly  300 . The front mounting assembly  200  can be mounted in the roof gutter (not shown) of a vehicle  102 . In some embodiments, the system  100  can comprise one of the front mounting assembly  200  and the rear mounting assembly  300 . In some embodiments, the system  100  can comprise of both the front mounting assembly  200  and the rear mounting assembly  300 . Both the front mounting assembly  200  and the rear mounting assembly  300  allow for multiple configurations for mounting various accessories on a vehicle  102 . An exemplary accessory can include an external light. The light can employ incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, and/or light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs. The light can include multiple configurations from single light bulb lights to multiple light bulbs. The multiple light bulbs can be disposed in any predetermined configuration, including, for example, one or more rows of lights disposed within a single housing. Another type of accessory can include a mount for video camera such as a GoPro camera. Other types of accessories include air horns and flag mounts. Some advantages of the system  100  disclosed include providing a secure mounting for various accessories on a vehicle, minimizing the number of mounting holes that need to made in the roof of a vehicle, minimizing the opportunity for water intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and providing a mount capable of multiple configurations to meet the needs of a vehicle owner. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a front light bar assembly  200  for mounting a light bar  205 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the front light bar assembly  200  can comprise a light bar  205 , a vehicle mounting bracket  210 , a mounting fastener  215 , and a protective boot  220 . The vehicle mounting bracket  210  can have a pre-set shape, which as illustrated, can be generally triangular in shape including a mounting flange  225  coupled at a base of the bracket  210 . In some embodiments, the mounting flange  225  can preferably be curved for matching the curvature of a roof of a selected vehicle  102 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The mounting flange  225  can further be configured to be disposed within a roof gutter (not shown), of a selected vehicle  102  by forming the mounting flange  225  at a predetermined width to fit within the confines of the roof gutter  104 . The roof gutter is a preferable location for coupling the mounting flange  225  to the selected vehicle  102  because of an overlap of structural layers between the roof and door components of the vehicle  102  in the roof gutter region. 
         [0036]    The mounting flange  225  can be formed together with a body  230  of the vehicle mounting bracket  210  and/or formed separately from the vehicle mounting bracket  210 . If separate, the mounting flange  225  can be coupled with the vehicle mounting bracket  210  in any conventional manner. The vehicle mounting bracket  210  can have a recess  235  through the curved mounting flange  225  to dispose a mounting fastener  215  through the recess  235 . A fastener is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. Fasteners as used in this application can include but are not limited to bolts, clasps, screws, pins, rivets, threaded rods, and threaded inserts. In some embodiments, the mounting fastener  215  can be formed as part of the curved mounting flange  225 . In other embodiments, the mounting fastener  215  can be formed separately from the curved mounting flange  225  and coupled with the curved mounting flange  225  in any number of conventional ways. For example, one or more mounting fasteners  215  can be used to couple the vehicle mounting bracket  210  to the roof. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, a weather-resistant boot  220  can disposed on the mounting fastener  215 . The boot  220  can be composed of any of various weather-resistant materials. In some embodiments, the boot  200  can be formed into a trapezoidal shape with a cylindrical extension protruding from a top region of the trapezoid. A recess can be formed in the center of a mounting surface of the boot  200  to receive a cylindrical extension of the mounting fastener. The recess extends through the boot  200  and through the cylindrical extension forming a passage for receiving a lighting cable  240  through the mounting fastener  215 . The cylindrical extension and the boot  220  can provide protection from water intrusion into the recess  235  of the mounting fastener  215  and into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. 
         [0038]    A recess  242  can be formed in the body  230  of the vehicle mounting bracket  210  for receiving a light bar  205 . The recess  242  can be formed as part of the vehicle mounting bracket  210  and/or formed separately and coupled to the body of the vehicle mounting bracket  210  in any conventional manner. In some embodiments, the recess  242  can be formed to receive a circular protrusion  245  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) from a light bar  205 , allowing the light bar  205  to rotate within the recess  242 . The light bar  205  can be coupled to the vehicle mounting bracket  210  in any conventional manner including but not limited to fasteners. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments the light bar  205  can comprise any conventional type of light bar including a straight light bar. In other embodiments, the light bar  205  can comprise a curved light bar  245 . In some embodiments spacers can be used to accommodate the various widths of different light bars  205 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  illustrates a curved light bar  260  mounted in the front light bar assembly  200 . In some embodiments, the curved light bar  260  can be coupled to the vehicle mounting bracket  210  in the same manner as the straight light bar  205 . The curved light bar  260  configuration share many of the same components as the straight light bar configuration including the vehicle mounting bracket  210 , the mounting flange  225  associated with each mounting bracket  210 , the boot  220 , and the mounting fastener  215 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of an exemplary front light bar assembly  200  of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  illustrates selected components of the front vehicle mount assembly  200 , including a set of brackets  210  for opposite end regions of a bar  205 , a light bar  205 , a mounting fastener  215 , and a boot  220 . The front mounting system  200  can optionally include the diffuser  250  and a mounting gasket  265 . The mounting gasket  265  provides additional protection from water intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle  102 . Other sealants may be utilized in addition to or as a replacement for the mounting gasket  265 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  is a detailed view of an exemplary front light bar assembly  200  with a light bar  205  installed. In  FIG. 5 , a protrusion  245  front an end region of the light bar  205  is coupled with the recess  242  formed in the vehicle mounting bracket  210 . In some embodiments the protrusion  245  is circular.  FIG. 5  illustrates a detailed front, side view of an embodiment of the front light assembly  200 .  FIG. 5  depicts the detailed view of the recess  242  formed in the body  230  of the vehicle mounting bracket  210  for receiving a light bar  205 . In the manner set forth above, the recess  242  can be formed as part of the vehicle mounting bracket  210  and/or formed separately and coupled to the body of the vehicle mount tin any conventional manner. In some embodiments, the recess  242  can be formed to receive the protrusion  245  extending from a light bar that allows the light  205  to rotate within the recess  242 . The light bar  205  can be coupled to the vehicle mount in any conventional manner. In some embodiments, the light bar  205  can be coupled to the vehicle mount using two fasteners, one fastener at each of a proximal and a distal end region of the light bar  205 . In some embodiments, more than one fastener can be used at one or both the proximal and distal end region to fix the angle that the light bar  205  is mounted with respect to the roof of the vehicle  102 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  illustrates a stand-alone view of one embodiment of the vehicle mounting bracket  210 . The front light bar assembly  200  can be constructed of any suitable material such as a metal. The metal can comprise stainless steel. In some embodiments, the metal can be powder coated to reduce corrosion. The body  230  of the vehicle mounting bracket  210  can have any number of cable fasteners (not shown) affixed to the body  230  to secure the light cable  240  to the vehicle mounting bracket  210 .  FIG. 6  provides a close-up view of the boot  220 .  FIG. 6  also illustrates an exemplary of routing of the light cable  240  through the boot  220  and the mounting fastener  215 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a light bar mount  270  is coupled with the vehicle mounting bracket  210  via a recess  242  formed in the body  230  of the vehicle mounting bracket  210 . A plurality of fasteners can be used to couple the light bar mount  270  to the vehicle mounting bracket  210 . Although only one fastener  275  is depicted in  FIG. 6 , a plurality of fasteners can be used for coupling the light bar  205  to the vehicle mounting bracket  210 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  illustrates a detailed exploded view of the front mounting assembly  200 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the vehicle mounting bracket  210  can include a backplate  280 . The backplate  280  can be coupled with the vehicle mounting bracket  210  via a plurality of fasteners to increase the stiffness of the vehicle mounting bracket  210 .  FIG. 7  also illustrates the relationship among the selected components of the front mounting assembly such as the light bar  205 , vehicle mounting bracket  210 , the boot  220 , the light cable  240 , the mounting fastener  215 , and the mounting flange  225 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom view of the front mounting assembly  200  with the diffuser  250  installed. In some embodiments, a diffuser  250  is coupled to a housing  255  of the light bar  205  with a plurality of fasteners. 
         [0046]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a side view of the light bar  205  with the diffuser  250  installed.  FIG. 9A  shows one embodiment of the diffuser with a selected angle of 60 degrees for the trailing edge of the diffuser. 
         [0047]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a stand-alone view of the diffuser  250 . A diffuser can disrupt the airflow around the light bar  205  (shown in  FIG. 9A ) to reduce vibration and/or noise that can be created by the light bar  205  being exposed to the laminar airflow around over the windshield and roof of the vehicle. As shown in  FIG. 9B , the diffuser  250  comprises a planar member  285  including a leading edge region  290  and a trailing edge region  295 . The planar member  285  can coupled to the housing  297  of the light bar  205 . The trailing edge  295  of the plate  285  is bent downward away from the housing  297  (shown in  FIG. 9A ) at an angle between 15 and 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle can be 60 degrees. The diffuser  250  can be manufactured from a rolled metal such as stainless steel. In other embodiments, the diffuser  250  can be fabricated from other materials such as carbon fiber, plastics, fiberglass, or ceramic material. The diffuser central member  285  for the curved light bar is formed with a curvature to conform to a radius of the curved light bar. Although shown in  FIG. 9B  as part of the curved light bar, the diffuser  250  can optionally be added to the straight light bar assembly. 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  illustrates a view of a rear light mounting assembly  300  configured with four lights  305 . In some embodiments, four lights can be installed on a mounting bar  310 . Each light  305  can be coupled with the mounting bar  310  via a plurality of light bar brackets  315 . The light  305  can be coupled to the distal end region of the light bar bracket  315  using a fastener. The proximal end region of the light bar bracket  315  is coupled with the mounting bar  310 . In some embodiments, recessed fasteners can be used to secure the light bar bracket  315  to the mounting bar  310 . Each light bar bracket  315  can extend from the bar  310  at any one of selected angles with respect to the roof of a vehicle  102  through the use of multiple detents  320 . 
         [0049]    The term “detents” refers to any combination of mating elements, such as blocks, tabs, pockets, slots, ramps, locking pins, cantilevered members, support pins, and the like, that may be selectively or automatically engaged and/or disengaged to couple or decouple a bracket with a mounting bar relative to one another. It will be appreciated that the detents as illustrated and described below are merely exemplary and not exhaustive. For example, the cooperating detents can include a first set of cooperating blocks and pockets for releasable coupling the bracket  315  and the mounting bar  310 . 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , a first detent  325  on the mounting bar  310  is a ridge protruding from the circumferential surface of the mounting bar  310 . In this embodiment, the second detent  340  on the light bar bracket  315  is one of a series of channels  340  formed at selected positions around the recess of the light bar bracket  315 . In some embodiments, an angular distance between the adjacent channels  340  is equal. In some embodiments, the channels  340  are at varying angular distances apart. In one embodiment, the first detent  325  engages with the second detent  340 . A recessed screw on the light bracket  315  can be used to secure the bracket  315  to the mounting bar  310 . 
         [0051]    The plurality of detents  320  on the light bar bracket  315  allows the light  305  to be disposed at one of selected angles around the mounting bar  310  as the first detent  325  cooperates with the second detent  340  on the light mounting bracket  315 . In some embodiments, the plurality of detents  320  allow for disposing a light to be facing the front of the vehicle  102  and a light to face the rear of the vehicle  102 . In some embodiments, all lights can be facing in one direction but at different angles with respect to the roof of the vehicle  102 . For example, if on a truck a light can be disposed to illuminate the truck bed and/or a light can illuminate a region behind the truck. In some embodiments, a light can illuminate a different region in front, behind, or on either side the vehicle  102  based on the angle of light mount. 
         [0052]    In an embodiment of a four light configuration shown in  FIG. 10 , each of the two vehicle mounting brackets  210  has two mounting fasteners to secure the rear light assembly  300  to the roof of a vehicle  102 . In the four light configuration, each of the mounting fasteners  215  (shown in  FIG. 15 ) can define a hollow passage for receiving the light cable  240  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) through the mounting fastener  215  into the passenger compartment. A boot  220  covers each of the mounting fasteners  215  to prevent water intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. 
         [0053]      FIG. 11  illustrates a view of a rear light mounting assembly  300  configured with only two lights  305  installed. Each of the lights  305  can be coupled to the mounting bar  310  via a respective light bracket  315 . The detents  320  (shown in  FIG. 15 ) on the light bar bracket  315  allow for coupling the light  305  at a predetermined angles with respect to the roof of the vehicle  102 . Both lights  305 , for example, can be oriented in the same direction at the same angle, in the same direction at different angles from each other, and/or in different directions. For multiple light configurations, the light power cable  240  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) can be routed from the light through a channel in the mounting bar  310  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) to through the passage through the boot  220  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) through the mounting fastener  215  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) into the passenger compartment in the vehicle  102 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 12  illustrates a view of a rear light mounting assembly  300  with one light bar  205  installed. The light bar  305  can be coupled to the vehicle mounting brackets  210  via the light mounting brackets  315 . The light bar  305  can be coupled with light mounting bracket  315  via a plurality of fasteners. The light bar  305  can comprise a curved or a straight light bar. The light cable  240  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) for the light bar  305  can be routed through the boot  220  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) and a mounting fastener  215  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) into the interior of the vehicle  102 . The second detent (shown in  FIG. 15 ) in the light mounting bracket  315  and the mounting bar  310  allow the light bar  205  to be disposed at selected angles with respect to the roof of the vehicle  102 . In some configurations, the light bar  305  can be facing the front of the vehicle  102 . In some configurations, the light bar  205  can face the rear of the vehicle  102 . The angle of the light bar  305  can also be adjusted to allow for illumination of different regions in front or behind the vehicle  102 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 13  illustrates a view of an embodiment of a rear light mounting assembly  300  configured with dual light bar brackets  360  installed. In some embodiments, a dual light mounting bracket  360  can be coupled to the mounting bar  310 . In this embodiment, the dual light bracket  360  comprises a bar with a plurality of extensions extending from a coupling region. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the extensions protrude from the coupling region and form an angle between the extensions. In some embodiments, the angle can be an acute angle, a right angle or an obtuse angle. The coupling region can form a recess through which the mounting bar  310  can be received. The coupling region can have a plurality of detents in communication with the recess for allowing the dual bar  360  to be coupled at any one of a plurality of selected angles, as desired. In one embodiment, the dual light bar bracket  360  can have a plurality of light bars  310  installed, one at the distal end of each extension. 
         [0056]      FIG. 14  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the rear light mounting assembly  300  of  FIG. 10 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the rear light mounting assembly  300  can comprise a mounting bar  310 , a plurality of vehicle mounting brackets  210 , a plurality of mounting fasteners  215 , and at least one boot  220 . The rear mounting assembly  300  can be configured to accept four lights at various angles. The angles can be uniform or different. In order to couple a light  305  to the bar  310 , the mounting bar  310  can be disposed through a recess formed in a plurality of light mounting brackets  315 . The light mounting brackets  315  can include recessed fasteners to secure the bracket  315  to the mounting bar. The vehicle mounting bracket  210  can include a recess  242  for receiving the mounting bar  310 . The rear light mounting assembly has a coupler inserted into the recess  242  to receive the mounting bar  310 . The coupler can include a detent to cooperate with the first detent  325  on the mounting bar. The coupler also includes recessed fasteners for securing the mounting bar  310  to the vehicle mounting bracket  210 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 15  illustrates a detailed view of an embodiment of the rear light mounting assembly mounting bracket  210  depicting the mounting bar  310  coupled to the vehicle mounting assembly  300 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom view of the mounting bar  310  and exposed cable channel  375 . In some embodiments, the mounting bar  310  can form an internal channel constructed from a hollow metal such as rolled steel. In some embodiments, the internal channel can comprise an axial cable channel  375  along a length of the mounting bar  310 . In some embodiments, the mounting bar  310  can include one or more sleeve inserts in the interior of the mounting bar  310  for increasing strength of the mounting bar  310 . In some embodiments, the cable channel has a seal  380  (not shown), which covers at least a portion of the cable channel  375 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 17  illustrates a stand-alone view of an embodiment of a single light mounting bracket  315  for the rear light mounting assembly. The light mounting bracket  315  can be formed as a cast metal or fabricated in any commonly accepted manner. In one embodiment, a proximal end of the light mounting bracket  315  forms a recess  344  configured to accept the mounting bar  310  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). In one embodiment, a plurality of detents  340  are formed in structure in communication with the recess  344 . These detents  340  can cooperate with the detent formed on the mounting bar  310 . While six detents  340  are depicted on the light mounting bracket  315  in  FIG. 17 , any number of detents  340  can be formed. While  FIG. 17  illustrates that the spacing between the detents  340  is uniform, the spacing can also be non-uniform as desired. The distal end of the light mounting bracket  315  also forms a recess to couple the light mounting bracket  315  to the light  305 . While  FIG. 17  illustrates the detents  340  as being channels for receiving the detent  325  on the mounting bar  310 , the detents  340  could alternatively comprise extensions instead of channels. 
         [0060]      FIG. 18  illustrates a stand-alone view of an embodiment of a dual light mounting bracket  360  for the rear light mounting assembly  300 . The dual light mounting bracket  360  can be formed as a cast metal or fabricated in any commonly accepted manner. In one embodiment, a proximal end of the light mounting bracket  360  forms a recess  344  configured to receive the mounting bar  310  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). In one embodiment, a plurality of detents  340  are formed around the inside circumference of the recess. These detents  340  can cooperate with the detent formed on the mounting bar  310 . While six detents  340  are depicted on the light mounting bracket  315  in  FIG. 18 , any number of detents  340  can be formed. While  FIG. 18  illustrates that the spacing between the detents  340  is constant, the spacing can also be varied as required. 
         [0061]    The dual light mounting bracket comprises two extensions from the recess. The proximal end of each extension forms the recess  344 . A recess is formed at the end of each extension to accommodate mounting to a light bar  310 . While  FIG. 18  illustrates the detents  340  as being channels configured for receiving the detent  325  on the mounting bar  310 , the detents  340  could alternatively comprise extensions instead of channels. 
         [0062]      FIG. 19A  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a single light mounting bracket  315  for the rear light mounting assembly  300 . The light mounting bracket  315  can be formed as a cast metal or fabricated in any commonly accepted manner. In one embodiment, a proximal end of the light mounting bracket  315  forms a recess  344  configured to accept the mounting bar  310  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). In one embodiment, a mounting attachment  346  is coupled with the single light mounting bracket  315 . The mounting attachment  346  can be a circular in shape with an extension detent projecting towards the center of the recess  344  when coupled. The extension can be configured to fit within the channel  375  of the mounting bar  310 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 19B  illustrates a view of an embodiment of a single light mounting bracket  315  for the rear light mounting assembly  300 .  FIG. 19B  depicts the mounting attachment  346  coupled with the light mounting bracket  315  with a plurality of fasteners. Although  FIG. 19B  depicts 6 fasteners, any suitable number of fasteners can be used to couple to mounting attachment  346  to the mounting bracket  315 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 19C  illustrates a view of an embodiment of a single light mounting bracket  315  for the rear light mounting assembly  300 .  FIG. 19C  depicts the mounting attachment  346  coupled with the light mounting bracket  315  with a plurality of fasteners.  FIG. 19C  also illustrates a mounting fastener  348  protruding from the extension of the mounting attachment. The extension can have a recess adapted to receive a fastener  348 . The fastener  348  can extend, tightening against the bar  310  when installed (shown in  FIG. 16 ). The recess inside the extension can be threated to cooperate with a threated fastener  348 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 20A  illustrates a stand-alone view of another embodiment of a dual light mounting bracket  360  for the rear light mounting assembly  300 . The dual light mounting bracket  360  can be formed as a cast metal or fabricated in any commonly accepted manner. In one embodiment, a proximal end of the light mounting bracket  315  forms a recess  344  configured to accept the mounting bar  310  (shown in  FIG. 16 ). In one embodiment, a mounting attachment  346  is coupled with the single light mounting bracket  315 . The mounting attachment  346  can be a circular in shape with an extension detent projecting towards the center of the recess  344  when coupled. The extension can be configured to fit within the channel  375  of the mounting bar  310 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 20B  illustrates a stand-alone view of another embodiment of a dual light mounting bracket  360  for the rear light mounting assembly  300 .  FIG. 20B  depicts the mounting attachment  346  coupled with the dual light mounting bracket  360  with a plurality of fasteners. Although  FIG. 20B  depicts 6 fasteners, any suitable number of fasteners can be used to couple to mounting attachment  346  to the dual light mounting bracket  360 .  FIG. 20B  also illustrates a mounting fastener  348  protruding from the extension of the mounting attachment. The extension can have a recess adapted to receive a fastener  348 . The fastener  348  can extend, tightening against the bar  310  when installed (shown in  FIG. 16 ). The recess inside the extension can be threated to cooperate with a threated fastener  348 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary top-level diagram of a method  400  for mounting a light to a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method  400  comprises disposing, at  405 , a mounting bar for coupling with the vehicle at least partially into an opening formed in a bracket for coupling with the light, wherein a first detent associated with the mounting bar cooperates with a second detent of the mounting bracket. In disposing, at  405 , the mounting bar, the mounting bar can be slid through a recess in the bracket. The detents allow the bracket to be mounted at a position selected from different positions relative to the mounting bar. 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 22 , the method  400  can further comprise coupling, at  410 , the vehicle mount to an end region of the mounting bar. A vehicle bracket can be coupled at each of a proximal and a distal end region of the mounting bar. The vehicle bracket and mounting bar can be coupled through any traditional means to include mounting fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets etc. In one embodiment the coupling can occur when a plurality of set screws around the enclosure are tightened around the mounting bar after the mounting bar is at least partially disposed into the recess on the mounting bar. 
         [0069]    The method  400  is shown as optionally comprising coupling, at  415 , a vehicle mount to the vehicle using a mounting fastener, wherein the mounting fastener defines a hollow passage for routing an electrical power cable of the light. The coupling, at  415 , can include any number of mounting fasteners to secure the vehicle mount to the vehicle. Optionally, the vehicle mount can be coupled in the gutter of the roof. Where multiple lights are used, multiple mounting fasteners with hollow passages can be used for routing the light cables into the passenger compartment. 
         [0070]    In another embodiment, the method  400  further comprises encasing, at  420 , the mounting fastener in a protective boot. The boot helps route the light cable into the mounting fastener into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Optionally where no hollow fastener is used for coupling the mount, a protective boot can be omitted. 
         [0071]    In another embodiment, the method  400  further comprises routing, at  425 , routing a cable of the light through a hollow passage formed in the mounting bar. Routing, at  425 , the power cable saves forming an additional hole in the roof of the vehicle and reduces risk of water intrusion. 
         [0072]    In another embodiment, the method  400  further comprises coupling, at  430 , a diffuser on the light. Coupling, at  430 , can be accomplished using a plurality of fasteners. Optionally, coupling, at  430 , can be accomplished by an adhesive. Optionally, the diffuser can be formed as part of the housing of the light. 
         [0073]      FIG. 22  illustrates an exemplary top-level diagram of a method  500  for manufacturing a vehicle light mounting assembly. The method  500  of  FIG. 22  is shown to include forming, at  505 , a bracket for coupling with a light; defining, at  510 , an opening for receiving a mounting bar for coupling with a vehicle. The bracket with a first detent can be formed, at  515 , for cooperating with a second detent of the mounting bracket. 
         [0074]    The method  500  is shown as optionally comprising forming, at  520 , a vehicle mount for coupling to an end region of the mounting bar. 
         [0075]    The method  500  is shown as optionally comprising forming, at  525 , a mounting fastener defining a hollow passage for routing a cable of the light. 
         [0076]    The method  500  is shown as optionally comprising forming, at  530 , a boot for encasing the mounting fastener. 
         [0077]    The method  500  is shown as optionally comprising forming, at  535 , a hollow passage in the mounting bar for routing the cable for the light. 
         [0078]    The method  500  is shown as optionally comprising forming, at  540 , a second bracket for coupling with a second light; and providing the bracket with a first detent for cooperating with the second detent of the mounting bracket. 
         [0079]    The method  500  is shown as optionally comprising forming, at  545 , a diffuser for coupling on the light. 
         [0080]    The disclosed embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and specific examples thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are not meant to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the disclosed embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives.