Accessory quick-connect apparatus and method

1 . An accessory quick-connect apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a base plate adapted for attachment to a vehicle;

at least one accessory plate adapted for attachment to the base plate and to at least one accessory for a vehicle; and

wherein the accessory plate can be attached and removed from the base plate without the use of tools.

2 . The quick-connect apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a lever having a notch for attaching and removing the accessory plate from the base plate.

3 . The quick-connect apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the lever is integrally formed in the base plate.

4 . The quick-connect apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the accessory plate slidably engages the base plate.

5 . An accessory quick-connect system for a vehicle, the system comprising:

a base plate adapted to be attached to a vehicle;

at least one accessory plate formed to slidably engage the base plate and adapted to be attached to accessories for a vehicle; and

a lever for securing and releasing the accessory plate to and from the base plate.

6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the lever is integrally formed in the base plate.

7 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the accessory plate can be attached directly to an accessory or to a mounting system for an accessory.

8 . A method for attaching and removing an accessory to and from a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

attaching a base plate to a vehicle;

attaching an accessory to an accessory plate;

snap-fitting the accessory plate to the base plate to secure the accessory plate to the base plate;

depressing a lever to release the accessory plate from the base plate; and

removing the accessory plate from the base plate.