Abstract:
A solar powered ground lights is typically mounted in a walkway, pathway, pool deck, roadway, park pathway, either in cement, wood, synthetic materials, or otherwise, and are ideally suited for use in walkways, walls, ceilings, and pool or dock areas because they are readily mounted from the top, requiring only a cylindrical depression and possibly three screws for mounting and require no external wiring. The solar powered ground lights are LED or electro-illuminescent or similar type, supported close to a lens for a good low angle view factor and are low voltage and safe. A solar panel recharges the battery. The system may be fully IP68 waterproof rated.

Description:
Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/155,157 filed Jan. 14, 2014, which was a continuation of then Provisional Patent No. 61/760,617 filed Feb. 4, 2013. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improvements in the field of ground mounted support structures for providing stable support and for providing illumination in a manner that is low maintenance and with automatic operational service, and especially lights which are ground, dock, deck, boat deck and walk mounted which will provide passive and low maintenance illumination by providing a constant night time illumination without the need for wiring, especially in a harsh marine environment and with due consideration given to the view factor relating to lateral illumination where a flat profile horizontally mounted lighting structure is provided. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In-ground or in-deck support is not utilized enough to provide passive lighting. Some types of ground lighting are known for gardens and which is supported on short pikes to give a high lighting effect with lateral light directed upon plants and garden areas. These types of lighting are inappropriate for high traffic areas where the object of providing lighting and being not significantly obstructive to walking is desired. 
     Conversely, walkways, parkways, roads, and the like are typically conventionally illuminated utilizing lighting systems that require wiring from one illuminated source to the next, such as overhead wiring or poles. Some illumination systems are solar powered and temporary with housing that are thrust into the ground with a steak and are not capable of being mounted into a surface or mounted to as to permit and illuminate pedestrian traffic. Another issue for pedestrian traffic is wear. Many custom wired in-sidewalk systems have painted plates which scuff and undergo the negative effects of sunlight destruction (fading) as well as heating and cooling. 
     Many potentially dangerous places to walk are not lighted because the expense of wiring and providing lighting in places not heavily frequented by pedestrians is not believed to be justified. Docks and areas surrounding docking areas may go days and weeks without foot traffic in the area. However, in a harbor environment lighting is critical because visibility, especially when it is needed, is frequently impaired by weather conditions and stored obstacles, such as carts, rope, floats paddles and small canoes on a dock. 
     A requirement of high maintenance is a cost issue which adds to the installation cost issue for all ground lighting, but especially lighting units mounted in the marine environment. The electrical distribution system has to be sufficiently upgraded over a system that would exist outside the marine environment and at increased cost. Failure of any distribution system in a marine environment occurs more frequently and at a higher cost of replacement. Maintenance of wired units requires much onsite time to dis-assemble, replace faulty components and then re-assemble on site. 
     Low power lighting has been effective for signs giving direct illumination to the viewer, and for some closely related reflective service where a structure is illuminated, typically a short distance from the light source. Attempts to provide usable, effective illumination for a low-height ground fixture having a passive solar light source have been challenging. Most walkway lighting involves custom raised installations with light being deliberately reflected from provided structures or with light being directed downward to a surface that is expected to be in a defined and known location and have known characteristics. A good example of the latter includes stairs where each stair is illuminated from above. 
     Other instances include high power lights that are directed and focused upwardly are those used to illuminate improvements to real estate including buildings, walls, signs and landscaping. Except for landscaping, the aforementioned illumination is often high power. Illumination of landscaping still falls in the decorative category as most are illuminated from positions that are distanced from walkways. Illumination of landscaping on a smaller home scale may be low power solar and is also located away from walk ways, but is also most often downwardly directed. Where low power solar lighting is downwardly directed, and where the height of the light source is known, it may be more certain to be able to specify the distribution of light needed. Lighting that is not for direct viewing of the light source (decorative), and which is not for illuminating a known target, even under low power conditions, has to be designed with a higher level of expected usage variability than other applications with fixed parameters. 
     What is needed is a low maintenance lighting system, utilizable in a relatively low pedestrian traffic environment, that is inexpensive to install, inexpensive to replace (and/or repair), and which has wear characteristics that will not exhibit significantly noticeable wear if trod upon. The needed system should be available at a range of costs and capabilities to encourage the installation of a low-tech version of the system in facilities which demand the lowest cost system, and to encourage the installation of a high-tech version of the system in facilities which demand a higher level of service &amp; control. 
     For a horizontal mounted, upwardly directed lighting system fixture the need for a controlled lateral light projection can be significant. What is needed is a light fixture that can provide significant, even, lateral illumination and can consequently act as both a highly visible low power light source at a distance, as well as to provide illumination of surrounding structures near the light installation, including overhead structures and lateral structures. A needed system should have the capability for illumination at a wide angle, if desired, while maintaining a low height profile. Further, it would be preferable that lighting have a capability for users and installers to specify locations in a low height support where lights could be positioned in order enable user specifiability of a predominant direction for a lighting view factor. Any structure which also enabled placement of lights as close to an upper protective transmissive surface is needed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides for an illuminated solar powered ground light that has a number of advantages over conventional low profile low power lighting systems. Ground, in the context of the solar powered ground light, may also mean any surface to which the Solar powered ground light may be mounted, including vertical walls. However, much of the advantages built in to an improved horizontally mounted and upwardly directed lighting structure herein are important. The ground need not be a walk way, but the light of the invention is built to withstand foot traffic on its mounting surface. This surface may be known as a pathway, a deck, a dock, a road surface, a wall, a ceiling, a roof, a boat deck, or any surface capable of supporting the insertion and/or attachment of the solar powered ground light. The solar powered ground light may thus be mounted above, below, or to the side or other surface relative to the ground. The solar powered ground light may even be mounted underwater in a swimming pool, as it is preferable that the solar powered ground light may be IP-67 rated or better. 
     The solar powered ground light may of the invention preferably include an IP68, or better, waterproof rated solar powered lighting system utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) or an electro-luminescent (EL) display utilizing a top mounted robust lens for specified light emission. A solar powered battery charging system to support the LEDs may also include a photocell system to provide for turning on and off the lighting source based on the ambient lighting conditions. 
     Various aspects of the solar powered ground light of the invention may be realized. A solar powered ground light may provide a structure to readily mount in a low height fashion as possible to a surface as possible utilizing a simple cylindrical recess for mounting the solar powered ground light from an upper position and into and through the surface of a flat member, preferably a walk way. A solar powered ground light may provide a capability to select and operably manipulate LED colors and or blink rates of selected lighting sources contained within the solar powered ground light. A provision may be made within the solar powered ground light that provides a warning of potential danger and indicates the location of the pathway to be taken by pedestrians in poor lighting conditions. 
     The solar powered ground light system may include a fixture having a mounting ring and an aluminum housing and a plastic inner housing including supports and connections for a solar array having a lens coupled to a plastic housing to define a space for a solar lighting device and battery system where the mounting ring and photo cell lens is positioned to emit light from the top opening and is coupled with a top surface of the photo cell lens so that a light-emitting surface of the solar lighting device is exposed at the opening to provide light. 
     The solar powered ground light is preferably of the type that may be attached to nearly any surface, horizontal, vertical, above ground, or under water. Therefore, it can be appreciated that the solar powered ground light would be beneficial in a waterfront application. The solar powered ground light may further disclose a waterproof Solar powered ground light that may feature a triggering photocell to turn the waterproof Solar powered ground lights on and off based on ambient lighting conditions, as well as other maintenance, light control and telemetry capability. 
     A circuit may be provided that allows a user to turn the waterproof solar powered ground light on and off utilizing a recessed slide switch, a magnetically activated switch, or the like, to change the color of the light, to invoke a blinking function or to invoke an emergency signal function. A preferred embodiment of the waterproof solar powered ground light provides for a system fabricated out of aluminum, although other materials may be utilized, such as die cast aluminum, cast iron, brass, stainless steel, as well as a high strength injection moldable plastic such as Nylon with a fiberglass fill element. The solar powered ground light may provide for the use of readily accessible mounting screws around a ring, both screws and ring of sufficient length to mount to nearly any surface securely. 
     The present invention provides for an illuminated solar powered ground light that has a number of advantages over conventional non-solar powered ground lights such as those ground lights which are specially installed and wired for energization by the power mains. First, by eliminating the need to connect to power mains, a corresponding savings is experienced by eliminating the need to provide shielded access to power distribution under harsh environmental (exposure to moisture and salt) conditions, as well as the savings associated with the provision of through-the-dock wiring access which involves drilling multiple under-dock holes for shielded wiring runs and placement of support fittings, junction boxes and aligning access to other energy consumptive services. 
     Second, by providing a self-contained solar powered ground light with sturdy mounting structure, the solar powered ground light is preferably easily removable from its location and replaced by another solar powered ground light unit so as to enable any trouble-shooting of a unit to be performed off site, at substantial savings of money and manpower. The use of a mechanical screwdriver will permit the solar powered ground light to be changed out and replaced in under one minute. Security against vandals and thieves can be provided by securing the solar powered ground light structure with fasteners which range from ordinary screw driver operated threaded members to unusual engagement and locking members requiring special tools, especially in large-scale facilities. 
     Third, the self contained solar powered ground light structure is sealed against the environment. Because it can be manufactured in a controlled, off-site environment, it can have a greater assurance of being sealed (especially by having available testing machinery). The risk of field service inconsistencies in environmental sealing are well known and assured control of sealing is cost-sensitive. Further, where the self contained solar powered ground light has communications capabilities, any monitoring or checking or diagnostic polling can be performed without the need to access the sealed unit. 
     Fourth, a solar cell and light emitting diode support is provided that has a central area surrounded by walls matching the shape of the solar cell and that has light emitting diode support apertures that permit mounting the light emitting diodes at locations about the periphery of the solar cell. Where the light emitting diodes are provided with sufficient leads, they may be located by the user. In the alternative, they may be configured by the manufacturer. The light emitting diode support may have an underside configured to assist in supporting the circuit board, so that the combination of supported solar cell &amp; LEDs, the support and the circuit board can provided and available as one unit ready to connect to a battery such as a rechargeable battery. Such an integrated support will reduce change-out time for repairs and circuit upgrades. 
     In terms of view factor, and particularly when working with LEDs that are not electronically controllable to specify individual illumination in different directions, the ability to pre-specify the lighting configuration and/or the ability to dynamically change the configuration of illuminated and non illuminated LEDs within the solar powered ground light can prove advantageous. As an example, an LED at the center of a flat surface has the ability to create a cone of illumination limited by the angle at which a non light transmissive surface intersects with the lowermost or outermost portion in a straight line relationship of the illuminated surface of the LED. Where the LED may be located farther away from the center and closer to one edge, the minimum height of transmission in the direction of the side in which the center LED is shifted rises, and the minimum height of transmission in the direction of the side in which the center LED was shifted away from, lowers. 
     One illustrated embodiment of the invention illustrates an organizing support having a configuration in which each LED lies generally to the outside of two of four abbreviated height walls that laterally stabilize and limit movement of a rectangular solar panel. The solar panel as one example includes two pairs of LEDs along the walls of greater length. For higher spacing, each of the LEDs is placed at a position of about 25% from the ends of the wall that the LEDs lie outwardly adjacent. This distance provides separation of each pair of LEDs to the outside of the wall, yet is not so far as to require a smaller rectangular solar panel to provide clearance at the corners of the solar panels and the ends of the walls. Service apertures could also be placed outside the shorter walls that oppose and stabilize the ends of the solar panel solar panel. 
     The organizing support also assists the elevation of the LEDs to a position against an upper translucent lens to create a higher view factor through which the light from the LEDs are transmitted outside the solar powered ground light. Improvement of height mounting of the LEDs translates into a lower angle of light transmission. Provision of LEDs that are mounted in a spaced apart relationship from a center of a circular horizontally mounted solar powered ground light will produce a radially uneven view angle that has a lower minimum with respect to the side from it is moved away from and higher minimum viewing angle with respect to the side it is moved toward, assuming no other internal obstruction. 
     The ability to adjust viewing angle is accomplished with three opportunities. The first opportunity occurs at formation of the organizing support by specifying the number and position of both the solar panel and LEDs, as well as the provision of mounting apertures through which a user can change the position of the LEDs. The second opportunity occurs at installation where a user can adjust the location of the LEDs by plugging and movement or by providing connection lines long enough to be moved into one or more apertures provided in excess of the number of LEDs. As an example, a organizing support with 4 LEDs could be mounted on one side of the organizing support where it is known that a predominant viewing direction will always require a minimum viewing angle. The third ability adjust a viewing angle is by selectively controlling the LEDs to selectively illuminate the LED having the most optimum viewing angle for the conditions desired. 
     In general a self contained nature of the solar powered ground light enables advantages for a facility in ease of both technology upgrading and user function differentiation. For example, in a large dock facility, the same types of solar powered ground lights can be changed out in groups to allow for keeping only a small inventory of replacement solar powered ground lights which can either be repaired on site or shipped offsite for repair. In the case where upgrading of all solar powered ground lights is desired, all solar powered ground lights can be replaced with new ones with the replaced solar powered ground lights either refurbished, upgraded, and or sold on the secondary market to another facility. In addition, where an owner or manager decides that solar powered ground light longer needed, the solar powered ground light may simply be removed and the space it once occupied may be filled in with a filler material or with a plug. 
     Differentiation is possible such as where it is desired to replace every other solar powered ground light is a different color, or to place solar powered ground lights having additional capability at different locations interspersed in between other solar powered ground lights to cause some solar powered ground lights to have different functions. Some of those functions might include signaling from solar powered ground light or to the solar powered ground light. Such signaling could be either initiated or limited or restricted using a central communication station. 
     The examples of the reasons and types of communication and signaling are endless. A central station may be used to changed the light color of several solar powered ground light solar powered ground lights along a siding where a boat may have obtained permission to dock, or in front of a restaurant that is running a special, etc. In another instance a series of lights may be made to flash where the renter needs to contact the landlord or other authority, or vice versa. Special flashing sequences may be used at night to silently or with audio, signal time such as some flashing at times similar to those of a bell tower clock. 
     Control need not be had exclusively from a central station but can be shared with local devices such as an I-phone. A boat owner or other premises renter may have the ability to, either through a central system or through a local wireless control, turn his illuminated solar powered ground lights on or off. Control through a central system may partially include a link through the internet. In addition, the self contained solar powered modular structures can be enabled to communicate with each other. For example, a catastrophic failure in a unit such as complete destruction by a heavy piece of equipment, would not result in an ability of other units to report its absent status. An adjacent solar powered ground light unit might report a failure, especially if the solar powered solar powered ground light units were set to communicate with each other more often than a central station. 
     The “drop in” accommodating nature of the solar powered ground light structure enables quick upgrade to a wide variety of other physical variations. For some solar powered ground lights it may be desirable to have a taller and brighter light source under certain circumstances, such as special events or where specialized structures are needed to be placed over the solar powered ground light locations (such as a light re-transmissive cone, or for which a higher profile structure is acceptable). The interchange of one solar powered modular structure for another, such as the self contained solar powered modular structure being interchanged for any other structure, may be preferably performed by unfastening and refastening a threaded members, or by removal of a retaining ring. The change-out can be performed with an electric rotary tool, such as an electric screwdriver, in a few seconds. 
     In terms of the nature and quality of the light produced, as well as the time of duration during which lighting is activated, the solar powered ground light can either be pre-set with a timer or controlled remotely to turn on and off at different times as well as to receive instructions remotely to reset the timer. A timer may set itself from the passing of a threshold level of light and dark, and it might also determine the intensity and color of light which is displayed. By example only, a self contained solar powered modular structure might be set to start its timer at dusk and to thereafter burn brightly with a white light until midnight, and then dim itself and switch to a red light illumination at midnight. 
     The individualized programming can be done by electromagnetic or optical signal through the self contained solar powered modular structure to optimize in accord with the needs of the facility. The control of the cycle and illumination needs of the pedestrian adjacent facility provides for a measure of safety and convenience. For example, docks and piers are potentially dangerous places to walk because of reduced visibility. Containers, equipment, cargo, ropes, chains and other items are deposited on piers further making walking on dark piers dangerous. The edge or edges of a pier are often where boat solar powered ground lights are mounted and these areas are usually free of obstructions that could hinder access to or from a watercraft or that could prevent people from falling into the water. The Solar Powered Illuminated Boat Solar powered ground light of the invention provides ease of locating the edge of the dock or pier and provides a measure of safety for pedestrians in the boat harbor as well as within the boat. 
     Boat solar powered ground lights are attached to the edges of both piers and decks to receive lines and secure watercraft to piers. Because these solar powered ground lights are typically on the edge of piers as well at other watercraft, which by design are adjacent to the water, they are convenient for indicating a location relative to the water as well as potential danger to pedestrians. 
     During daylight hours and periods of good visibility, solar powered ground lights physical presence are easy to see even when turned off. These structures are attractive, decorative, and clearly indicate the expected location of paths or boundaries. During periods of darkness and periods of poor visibility it is difficult or even impossible to see the path or objects in the area, the solar powered ground lights will afford a much needed light reference. When lighting cannot be used, a person could wander off the path and trip and fall. A solar powered illuminated ground light system provides for easy visibility to address the concerns for safety and providing an easy way to determine the location of the clear path with light. 
     Other advantages include: (1) the solar powered illuminated ground light can continue to be lighted, even over shorter periods where it is limited by its energy storage capacity; (2) can be easily found when at night; (3) can be used for fanciful decoration for ground and walls, such where it installed with colorful LED capability; (4) it also can be used as a warning light in danger areas; (5) it can be installed with yellow LEDs and given the capability to flash, not only for a warning but also to reduce duty cycle and (6) it&#39;s an environmentally friendly product, requiring no expenditure on power resources, as the solar powered illuminated ground light just gets its power from sun. 
     A preferred embodiment of the solar powered illuminated ground light is waterproof and also preferably of any type that may be attached to the deck of a boat or other watercraft or any object which is desired to be illuminated and seen. From the discussions above it can be appreciated that an illuminated ground light would be beneficial as mounted on watercraft and would enable much more sophisticated communications control onboard a vessel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view looking down into the solar powered ground light of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan exploded side view of the solar powered ground light seen in  FIG. 1  and showing further details thereof; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional side view of the solar powered ground light seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2  to further illustrates the mechanical details thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the face plate and lens of the solar powered ground light seen in  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of the solar powered ground light seen in  FIGS. 1-4  and illustrating the placement of the solar powered ground light into a support structure which may be ground or wall, but may preferably be a wooden dock. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating one possible realization of the relationship between a communicating solar powered ground light and a wireless connection to the internet as well as a wireless connection to a local controller; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating one possible realization of the internal circuitry within the solar powered ground light to include a light controller connected to controlled lights, battery, charging controller and solar panel, and also connected to a photocell, receiver, transmitter, timer and voltage meter, with the voltage meter also being connected to the battery. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view looking down upon a further, second embodiment of a solar powered ground light having a central rectangular shaped solar cell supported by an organizing support, with the organizing support providing spaced support for four light emitting diodes; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view, from a view point as seen in  FIG. 8  but with the top mounting ring and base housing removed, looking down at an angle upon the organizing support within the inner housing; and 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view, similar to that seen in  FIG. 3 , and illustrating an organizing support having walls for containing the a centrally located solar cell, providing a number of peripheral mounting apertures for multiple LEDs, and for providing either flexible connection or plugged leads for facilitating re-location of LEDs. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a plan view looking into a solar powered ground light  21  of the invention illustrates the interfitting and spatial relationships of assembly and construction. A series of three mounting screws  23  are designed to pass through associated apertures  25  of a top mounting ring  29 . The number of screws  23  and the number of apertures  25  may vary, it is believed that three will give an acceptable engagement and force sharing relationship. The top mounting ring  29  has a main planar surface  31 , a bevel surface  33  located circumferentially outside the main planar surface  31  and oriented circumferentially outward and upward with respect to the main planar surface  31 . Beneath the bevel surface  33  is an abbreviated outer annular surface  37 . The abbreviated outer annular surface  37  may be covered by providing a shallow chamfer in the surface into which the solar powered ground light  21  may be installed, so that the outermost part of the bevel surface  33  may be even with, or even very slightly below an upper surface of a material into which the solar powered ground light  21  may be mounted to reduce and interference the stride of a pedestrian if the pedestrian walks over the mounted solar powered ground light  21 . Of course, for wall mounting, the exposure of the outer annular surface  37  will not be of concern. 
     The solar powered ground light  21  top mounting ring  29  has a circumferentially inwardly directed annular surface  39  which meets the main planar surface  31 . Below the top mounting ring  29  a lens  41  is shown which will engage the underside of the top mounting ring  29  and may preferably present a main lens surface  81  which may be planar parallel and as coextensive with the main planar surface  31  as is possible. Lens  41  includes a groove  43  having an annular depth preferably matching the inwardly directed annular surface  39  so that the lens  41  main surface is planar parallel and as coextensive with the main planar surface  31  as is possible. 
     Underneath the lens  41 , an o-ring  47 , which may be made of silicone, is sued to form a seal between the lens  41  and a base housing  51 , that is cup or bowl shaped and seen at the bottom of  FIG. 1 . The base housing  51  includes an outer rim  53  which lies circumferentially outside a sealing groove  57  which is sized to support, contain and sealingly control and facilitate operation of the o-ring  47  to effect sealing. Outer rim  53  may help in providing a mating face for interfitting underneath the top mounting ring  29  of the solar powered ground light  21 . 
     Underneath the exploded o-ring  47 , an inner housing  61  (preferably plastic) is seen. Inside the inner housing  61  a series of LEDs  63  are supported just above a solar panel  67 . During solar charging, the presence of the LEDs  63  are not believed to be to any extent significant in blocking or shading the solar panel  67 , and this arrangement is believed to be more efficient from a standpoint of receiving light for charging and for orienting the LEDs  63  for light projection from a ground mounted position. Beneath the inner housing  61 , a battery  71  that is preferably of maximum capacity and duration for recharging, is seen above a lid  73  that may be secured with mounting screws  77 . A tab  79  may be used to insulate the positive terminal of battery  71  from electrically completing the circuit, so as to save battery life after manufacture and before installation of the solar powered ground light  21 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a plan vertical exploded view of the general exploded view seen in  FIG. 1  further illustrates the orientation and placement of the series of three mounting screws  23 , top mounting ring  29 , lens  41 , groove  43 , o-ring  47 , inner housing  61 , battery  71 , lid  73 , mounting screws  77 , tab  79 , and base housing  51 . The three mounting screws  23  go through the top mounting ring  29  securing the Lens  41  that is sealed with the o-ring  47  ensuring the solar panel  67  and the LEDs  63  and an internal cavity of the housing  61  and the housing  51  of the Solar powered ground light  21  maintain a watertight seal. The battery  71  is secured in place with the lid  73  that is secured with mounting screws  77 . The red tab  79  serves to insulate the positive terminal of the battery  71  from electrically completing the circuit, to save battery  71  life, so the user may remove the red tab  79  prior to putting the Solar powered ground light  21  into service. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a side sectional view illustrates the assembled solar powered ground light  21 . The mounting screws  77  are seen as holding the lid  73  in place, with the battery  71  secured within a space formed between the solar panel  67  and the lid  73 . It can be seen that the LEDs  63  are upwardly directed and sit atop the solar panel  67 . Note that the LEDs can be supported on a very thin support or directly on the solar panel  67 . Any shade that the LEDs  63  impress on the solar panel  67  will be de minimis. The o-ring  47  can be seen as acting between an annularly downwardly directed rim on the underside the groove  43 , somewhat in the shape of an annular projection, and a sealing groove  57 , just outside the main wall of the base housing  51 , but inside of the outer rim  53 . The lower rim need not actually form an annular projection, and will depend upon the size and depth of the sealing groove  57  and size of the o-ring  47 . Since the sealing shown is a straight force compression seal, any annular character of a downwardly available rim is not critical to the sealing capability. Lower circumferential downwardly directed edge of the lens  47  which fits partially into the circumferentially outside the main wall of the base housing  51  sealing groove  57  as it compresses the o-ring  47 . 
     The base housing  51  outer rim  53  can be used in conjunction with the three mounting screws  23  and the apertures  25  in a number of ways. Short mounting screws  23  can be long enough to secure the top mounting ring  29  to the outer rim  53  and no farther where the solar powered ground light  21  needs no further anchoring into a space where it is mounted. Such spaces might include the ground, or a cement mounting where the wetted cement might interact with features on the outside of the base housing  51  to cause it to not be easily removed by vandals. Conversely, in the case of a wood mounting, such as a dock, or deck, blind bore made at a diameter slightly greater than the outermost diameter of the outer rim  53  of the base housing  51  will allow the solar powered ground light  21  to be “dropped in” to the blind bore to begin service. One or two or all three of the three mounting screws  23  could be made longer to pass into a wood material step underneath the outer rim  53  of the base housing  51 , or additional mounting apertures could be provided in the solar powered ground light  21 , main planar surface  31 , or the complete assembled solar powered ground light  21  could be countersunk by the thickness of a retainer ring  83 , which could over-fit and lock over all of the top mounting ring  29  and have its own apertures  85  for threaded securing onto a wooden surface. Screws  23  can have different threaded sections to attach the top mounting ring  29  to the base housing  51  outer rim  53  independent of an ability to engage other structures into which the solar powered ground light  21  is mounted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a top view of the top mounting ring  29  and lens  47  of the solar powered ground light  21  seen in  FIGS. 1-3  is illustrated. The mounting screws  23 , main planar surface  31  and bevel surface  33  are seen. Either of these structures can be used along (mounting screws  23 ) or in conjunction with a retainer ring  83  (for engaging the bevel surface  33  only, or main planar surface  31 ) where a more tamper proof installation was desired. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a side sectional view of the solar powered ground light  21  seen in  FIGS. 1-4  and illustrating its placement of the solar powered ground light into a support structure which may be ground or wall is shown. Here, the abbreviated outer annular surface  37  is seen as being buried into a volumetric material  87 , which may preferably be a wooden dock or similar. Note that a series of two chamfer levels and a bottom level may be formed to accommodate the solar powered ground light  21 . A first chamfer level might exist below the top mounting ring  29 , a second chamfer level might exist below the underneath the outer periphery of the base housing  51 , outer rim  53 , and a base level might be formed to match the depth of the base housing  51 , or a little deeper to leave an ample space (not shown). 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the ground level  89  abuts the base of the bevel surface  33 . Any foot or shoe sliding in the direction of the solar powered ground light  21  will go slightly up and over. However it can be appreciated that the top mounting ring  29  could be mounted flat on a surface so that the abbreviated outer annular surface  37  might be above the ground surface  89  (especially where the ground surface  89  is on a wall). It can also be appreciated that the top mounting ring  29  main planar surface  31  could be mounted even with the ground surface so that the bevel  33  surface flat on a surface so that the abbreviated outer annular surface  37  might be above the ground surface  89  so that the bevel surface  33  forms a space slightly below the ground surface  89 . As such, the bevel surface  33  makes the solar powered ground light  21  forgiving of exact mounting variances. 
     The cross section of  FIG. 5  is based upon the solar powered ground light  21  being mounted in the ground. The relationship of many of the parts described above can be appreciated from this view. The ground surface  89  is shown flush to the top mounting ring  29  but the solar powered ground light  21  may be mounted at any level relative to the ground level or ground surface  89 . The top mounting ring  29  securing the Lens  41  that is sealed with the o-ring  47 , which may be made of silicone, ensuring the internal cavity of the housing  61  and the base housing  51  of the Solar powered ground light maintain a watertight seal. The plastic lid  73  is shown secured with mounting screws  77 . It can be seen from  FIG. 5  that the solar powered ground light  21  may be mounted flush to the ground surface  89  to minimize the chances of damage from passers by, gardeners, and the like. The waterproof rating of IP68 that is desired in outdoor applications is attained by utilizing a sealed base housing  51 , preferably made from aluminum, that is sealed between the lens  41  with the o-ring  47 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a block diagram illustrating one possible realization of the relationship between a communicating solar powered ground light  21  and a wireless connection to the internet as well as a wireless connection to a local controller is seen and illustrating one possible realization of the relationship between a solar powered ground light  21  and a communicating function is shown. The solar powered ground light  21  is shown as having its top mounting ring  29  and base housing  51  enveloping an assembly of SOLAR POWERED GROUND LIGHT ELECTRONICS  109 . A wireless connection to the INTERNET  111  as well as a wireless connection to a LOCAL CONTROLLER  115  is shown. Two way communication is indicated by the bi-directional lightening bolts. Communication can be by radio wave, digital wave or light link or any other means of communication. 
     In the case of the INTERNET  111 , a user can control all of the solar powered ground light  21  under a local area network (LAN). The LOCAL CONTROLLER  115  can be either a direct control from a user&#39;s LAN system, such as a lap top, or a dedicated hand-held device can be used to perhaps partially control the illuminated solar powered ground light  21  to which the user has control capability. As by example, a landlord or dock lighting controller may have control rights to all solar powered ground light  21  in the harbor. However, a boat owner may be given control, subject to the overriding control of the dock controller, of solar powered ground lights  21  adjacent his dock space. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a block diagram illustrating one possible realization of the internal circuitry within the solar powered ground light to include a light controller connected to controlled lights, battery, charging controller and solar panel, and also connected to a photocell, receiver, transmitter, timer and voltage meter, with the voltage meter also being connected to the battery. One possible realization of the internal circuitry within the solar powered ground light  21  and especially SOLAR POWERED GROUND LIGHT ELECTRONICS  109  is shown. SOLAR POWERED GROUND LIGHT ELECTRONICS  109  may include a CONTROLLER  121  which may be referred to as a light controller, and may or may not be connected to EXTERNAL SWITCHES  123 . CONTROLLER  121  may be connected to a set of CONTROLLED LIGHTS  127  which may include LEDs  63 , the BATTERY  71 , a CHARGING CONTROLLER  135  and the SOLAR PANEL  67 . In addition, the CONTROLLER  121  may also be connected to a PHOTOCELL  141 , a RECEIVER  143 , a TRANSMITTER  147 , a TIMER  149  AND a VOLTAGE METER  155 , with the VOLTAGE METER  155  also being connected to the BATTERY  71 . 
     EXTERNAL SWITCHES  123  can be best realized where they can be sealed against environmental conditions and where the operation by unauthorized persons is not a problem. EXTERNAL SWITCHES  123  may be a slide switch, a magnetically activated switch, or the like. The RECEIVER  143 , and TRANSMITTER  147  can be used for communicating any data gathered from any of the CONTROLLER  121 , EXTERNAL SWITCHES  123 , CONTROLLED LIGHTS  127 , BATTERY  71 , CHARGING CONTROLLER  135 , SOLAR PANEL  61 , PHOTOCELL  141 , RECEIVER  143 , TIMER  149 , a CAMERA  153 , and VOLTAGE METER  155 , and the RECEIVER  143  can communicate instructions to the CONTROLLER  121  to control or query the blocks shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Wireless communications with the solar powered ground light  21  can be via electromagnetic communication including wireless and optic messaging, pager frequencies, telephonic communication by dial tone or digital encoding, or via a computer by jacked or other contact hookup. The solar powered ground light  21  may preferably include an IP68 waterproof rated solar powered center lighting system utilizing LEDs or an EL display with a solar powered battery charging system to support the systems of all of the inventions in this application and may use the PHOTOCELL  141  to turn on and off the CONTROLLED LIGHTS  127  based on the ambient lighting conditions. 
     The CONTROLLER  121  may be provided that allows a user to turn the CONTROLLED LIGHTS  127  on and off utilizing any input and may provide a change in the color of the light, a blinking function or an emergency signal function. These features may be contained by access to different types of LEDs  63  or within the LEDs  63  and/or other light producing components. 
     A solar powered ground light  21  system as a “drop in” fixture having a mounting ring  29  and a base housing  51  and an inner housing  61  a solar panel  67  within a lens  41  defines a space for a solar lighting device and battery  21  system where the mounting ring  29  and solar panel  67  and Lens  41  is positioned to emit light from the top opening and is coupled with a top surface of the solar panel  67  so that a light-emitting surface of the solar lighting device is exposed at the opening to provide light. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a plan view looking down upon the exterior of a further, second embodiment of a solar powered ground light  201  is seen. Numbering for structures of solar powered ground light  201  that are identical to solar powered ground light  21  will be retained with new numbering for structures shown for the first time in association with solar powered ground light  201 . As before, the top mounting ring  29  has a circumferentially inwardly directed annular surface  39  which, in a plan view, defines the upper opening of the top mounting ring  29 . As before, lens  41  has a raised portion, including a groove  43  that fits inside the circumferentially inwardly directed annular surface  39  as was seen in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 8  enables identification through the transparent lens ( 41  in  FIG. 1  but not otherwise identified in  FIG. 8  as the object of  FIG. 8  is identification of structures observable through the lens is of most interest). Within the opening of the inwardly directed annular surface  39 , can be seen new structures, including an organizing support  203  that is seen as having a generally planar member that is shaped to match and may fit partially within inner housing  61 . Organizing support  203  supports the solar panel  67  and four LEDs  63 . The organizing support  203  may be supported by the inner housing  61 , base housing  51 , lens  41  or any structure seen or suggested by the Figures. 
     The solar panel  67  is longer than it is wide, and the four LEDs  63  are arranged so that two are on each side of the solar panel  67  more closely located with respect to longer side edges of the solar panel  67  than the shorter end edges of the solar panel  67 . A pair of long walls  205  act to laterally stabilize the solar panel  67  in a direction seen in  FIG. 8  as toward or away from each pair of two of the four LEDs  63 . Long walls  205  are situated between longer side edges  207  of the solar panel  67  and an area in which the four LEDs  63  are located. Likewise, a pair of short walls  209  act to longitudinally stabilize the solar panel  67  in a direction seen in  FIG. 8  as parallel to the pair of long walls  205 . Short walls  209  are positioned immediately adjacent shorter side edges  111  of solar panel  67 . 
     Each of the four LEDs  63  have electrical connections below the organizing support  203 , and those connections are not shown in  FIG. 8  and can be wires, vias, plug connectors any structure that enables electrical connection. A series of access apertures  115  exist, and are partially seen below the LEDs  63  with others not occupied being seen in  FIG. 8 . Access apertures  115 , including the ones that exist below the LEDs  63  may be of any shape which is consistent with their purpose. Although four LEDs  63  are shown, the solar powered ground light  201  may have fewer or more than four. Although eight additional access apertures  115  are shown a greater or smaller number may exist, consistent with the structural demands of the organizing support  203 . 
     All the access apertures  115  can be utilized for any number of variations. They can be used as sight windows for sending and receiving electromagnetic signals, they can be used for light sensor windows for detecting ambient light, such as for a photocell detector, or a thermal transmission window for measuring exterior temperature regardless of the temperature of the internals area of the solar powered ground light  201 , to name a few. Especially in the case of more efficient LEDs  63  and more efficient solar panels  67 , and improvements in the life and capacity of a rechargeable battery  71  it may be that for a given solar powered ground light  201  that much more light is needed over a much shorter time period. 
     Especially where remote command communication is possible, management and control of various ones of the solar powered ground light  201  can be allowed to charge over time (and monitor such charging) in advance of an event where greater light is needed say on a certain date with certain hours. The solar powered ground lights  201  located in a certain area can have all their light illuminated over a short period of time after sunset, such has during a business mixer. The solar powered ground lights  201  could then be allowed to return to a usual operating mode or to another needed mode. Modes can be programmed or controlled remotely. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a perspective view, from a view point as seen in  FIG. 8  but with the top mounting ring and base housing removed, is a view looking down at an angle upon the organizing support  203  supported partially within the inner housing  61 . The three dimensional nature of the long walls  205  and short walls  209  are seen. The LEDs  63  are shown more prominently upwardly located and supported to improve the lateral view factor achievable with the solar powered ground light  201 . Note also that electrical connections between the prominent LEDs  63 , solar panel  67 , and other electronic components are hidden underneath the organizing support  203  and are further protected from exposure to light. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a sectional view, from a perspective similar to that seen in  FIG. 3 , illustrates an organizing support  203  and its vertical relationship to other components. The solar panel  67  is seen as laterally stabilized by pair of long walls  205 . A pair of LEDs  63  are seen that are supported and lifted as high as is reasonably possible by the organizing support  203 , but as limited by the lens  41 . An approximate view factor taken from the view of  FIG. 6 , which does not necessarily indicate the maximums or minimums possible from different absolute location of the LEDs  63 , are shown by a pair of extended lines and angles taken with respect to the LED  63  on the left. 
     It can be seen that the LED closest to the left side has a minimum viewing angle projecting away from the left side at an angle of about twenty degrees. On the right side, it can be seen that the LED closest to the left side has a minimum viewing angle projecting away from the left side at an angle of about ten degrees. In a solar powered ground light  201 , a user can affect the lateral angle of light projection by either pre-specifying the location of the various additional access apertures  215  where LEDs  63  can be mounted, or a user can control which LEDs  63  are illuminated at any given time. A reflector (not shown) can be used between the LED  63  and the inside of the inner housing to help reflect a low angle of incidence light in the opposite direction. 
     Other structures seen in  FIG. 10  include a pair of power input lines  221  connected between a circuit board  219  and the battery  71 , with the connection between the solar panel  67  and circuit board  219  being such close of a proximity that its connectivity is difficult to observe. A set of pairs of lead lines  225  connect the circuit board  219  with LEDs  63 . The circuit board  219  is preferably mounted directly to the underside of the organizing support  203 , such as similar retainer structures  231  or with extruded posts  235  or a combination of both, that can be used to register and hold the circuit board  219 . This type of configuration that includes the circuit board  219 , solar panel  67  and LEDs  63  combined and attached to organizing support  203  can facilitate assembly by leaving as a last step the connection of the circuit board  219  to the battery  71 . 
     A preferred embodiment of the waterproof solar powered ground lights  21  and  101  provide for a system having component parts thereof fabricated out of aluminum, although other materials may be utilized, such as die cast aluminum, cast iron, brass, stainless steel, as well as a high strength injection moldable plastic such as Nylon with a fiberglass fill element. It is also preferred to use mounting screws  23  to be of sufficient length to mount to nearly any surface securely. 
     A preferred embodiment of the solar powered ground lights  21  and  101  is shown in  FIGS. 1 through 10  and is of the type that may be attached to nearly any surface, horizontal, vertical, above ground, or under water. Further, from the discussions above it can be appreciated that the Solar powered ground lights would be beneficial in a waterfront application. As such, the embodiment disclosed in Figures of this application, further disclose a waterproof solar powered ground lights  21  and/or  201  that may feature a PHOTOCELL  141  that may turn the waterproof solar powered ground light  21  on and off based on ambient conditions. Other control has been illustrated that allows a user to turn the waterproof solar powered ground light  21  and/or  201  on and off utilizing a slide switch, a magnetically activated switch, the internet or a local controller or the like, to change the color of the light, to invoke a blinking function or to invoke an emergency signal function. 
     It is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein. Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there is a plurality of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “said,” and “the” include plural referents unless specifically stated otherwise. In other words, use of the articles allow for “at least one” of the subject item in the description above as well as the to be appended claims. It is further noted that the to be appended claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
     Without the use of such exclusive terminology, the term “comprising” in the to be appended claims shall allow for the inclusion of any additional element irrespective of whether a given number of elements are enumerated in the to be appended claim, or the addition of a feature could be regarded as transforming the nature of an element set forth in the to be appended claims. Except as specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein are to be given as broad a commonly understood meaning as possible while maintaining to be appended claim validity. The breadth of the present invention is not to be limited to the examples provided and/or the subject specification, but rather only by the scope of the to be appended claim language. Use of the term “invention” herein is not intended to limit the scope of the to be appended claims in any manner. Rather it should be recognized that the “invention” includes the many variations explicitly or implicitly described herein, including those variations that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present specification. Further, it is not intended that any section of this specification (e.g., the Summary, Detailed Description, Abstract, Field of the Invention, etc.) be accorded special significance in describing the invention relative to another or the to be appended claims. All references cited are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is contemplated that certain modifications may be practiced within the scope of the to be appended claims. 
     Although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many invention changes and modifications may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art.