Abstract:
The boat cleats of the invention are typically mounted on the watercraft and docks adjacent to the water for tying watercraft to piers as well as to other watercraft and disclose a solar powered modular structure supported within a boat cleat mechanical housing support structure. This arrangement provides savings associated with the provision of through-the-dock wiring access, easy removability for replacement, maintenance and servicing, and which is sealed against the environment. The self contained solar powered modular structure may have communications capabilities to enable distributed control and sensing.

Description:
Continuation of Provisional Patent No. 61/752,958 filed Jan. 15, 2013. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improvements in the field of dock mounted support structures for providing stable support and for providing illumination in a manner that is low maintenance and with automatic operational service, and which will provide benefits to boat owners and dock managers by providing a constant night time illumination without the need for wiring. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dock mounted support structures, sometimes referred to as cleats, may typically be a pair of opposite projections supported above the surface of a dock or deck. Boats are moored to docks and piers utilizing boat cleats which may be more often mounted to docks, piers, but may even be found mounted to boat decks. Conventional boat cleats normally do not provide any means of lighting and if some form of lighting is supplied, such as adjacent to the cleat, such lighting is required to be hooked up to power mains. Powering any form of lighting via the power mains will involve a power distribution network and possibly through-dock drilling either for the lighting or for the path of the power distribution cord, as any such power distribution must be kept out of the way. Maintenance is also an issue, including both the maintenance and inspection of the power distribution system, but also of maintaining the light sources. Maintaining the light sources usually involves access to the inside of a lighting device and the requirement to perform maintenance one unit at a time along the dock&#39;s edge. 
     Many variations of cleat structure and orientation are possible, but the usually seen boat cleats are mounted to be parallel with cantilevered arms of the cleats generally oriented in serial parallel and along the edge of a structure that provides mooring of and easy access to a boat. On long runs of dock, cleats are typically mounted parallel with and adjacent an edge of the dock where a boat is likely to be moored. 
     Even absent all other considerations, conventional cleats are somewhat of a necessary hazard. A typical cleat must have enough of an upward projection above the dock to enable a rope to be wrapped around it multiple times (typically with the last few loops ending in a criss-cross fashion). Mounting a cleat either partially or fully below deck level would be difficult and impractical. As a result the necessary upward projection is a stumbling and tripping hazard, especially in low light. This hazard is particularly severe at the intersection between dock and boat, at positions where it is usual to board and leave the vessel. 
     Further, even ignoring the pedestrian factor, boat operations can require a quick tie-up to the dock, particularly when the crew doesn&#39;t carry personal lighting, or when flashlight handling would impair the ability of crew members to handle the lines. This circumstance can be especially challenging where a dock area lacks lighting is approached at night. Even if the cleats cannot be seen, they must be located in order to be engaged with lines. Where not viewable, and in absolute darkness the crew may toss a line blindly at the dock hoping to snag a cleat or some other damage resistant structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides for an illuminated boat cleat that has a number of advantages over conventional non-lighted cleats as well as cleats 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 holes and aligning access to lighting structures. 
     Second, by providing a solar powered modular structure as described herein (which may be simply a modular structure although referred to as a solar powered modular structure to more fully illustrate the structure shown). The solar powered modular structure is preferably easily removable from a boat cleat housing, easy access to removability is obtained, and disassembly of the lighting unit on-site is not necessary. The lighting modules will preferably be self-contained and will simply lift out of the cleat structure. Security against vandals and thieves can be provided by securing the module within the cleat 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 modular structure can be sealed against the environment. Because it can be manufactured in a controlled, off-site environment, it can have a greater assurance of being sealed. 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 modular structure has communications capabilities, any monitoring or checking or diagnostic polling can be performed without the need to access the sealed unit. 
     Further, modularization 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 modules can be changed out in groups to allow for keeping only a small inventory of replacement modules which can either be repaired on site or shipped offsite for repair. In the case where upgrading of all modules is desired, all modules can be replaced with new ones with the replaced modules either refurbished, upgraded, and or sold on the secondary market to another facility. In addition, where an owner or manager decides that illuminated cleats are no longer needed, the modules may simply be removed to leave a standard-use cleat structure which can be used in the conventional way, but with the added advantage that the dock or siding owner may decide to re-introduce the electrical modules at any point in the future, especially where a technological improvement or capability encourages the owner or manager to do so. 
     Differentiation is possible such as where it is desired to replace every other module is a different color, or to place modules having additional capability at different locations interspersed in between other modules to cause some cleats to have different functions. Some of those functions might include signaling from the cleat module or to the cleat module. 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 cleat modules along a siding where a boat may have obtained permission to dock. In another instance a series of lights adjacent a boat slip may be made to flash where the renter needs to contact the port authority. 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. A boat owner may have the ability to, either through a central system or through a local wireless control, turn his illuminated cleats 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 to report its status. An adjacent cleat unit might report a failure, especially if the solar powered cleat units were set to communicate with each other more often than a central station. 
     The “drop in” accommodating nature of the cleat structure which accommodates the self contained solar powered modular structures enables a wide variety of other physical variations. For some cleats 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 in cleat locations 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 member. The change-out can be performed with an electric rotary tool, such as an electric screwdriver, in about 5-10 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 illuminated boat cleat self contained solar powered modular structures can either be pre-set with a timer or controlled remotely to turn on and off at different times. 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 dock 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 cleats 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 Cleat 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 cleats are attached to the edges of both piers and decks to receive lines and secure watercraft to piers. Because these cleats 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. Even where the solar powered illuminated boat cleat is engaged with a securing rope, significant light can still be transmitted to surrounding areas. 
     During daylight hours and periods of good visibility, boat cleats are easy to see and clearly indicate the location of a boundary that should not be crossed unintentionally. During periods of darkness and periods of poor visibility it is difficult or even impossible to see the cleats. When the cleats cannot be seen, a person could trip on them and fall. A person could also walk off the edge of a pier or the side of a watercraft if a restraining system is not provided. A solar powered illuminated boat cleat system provides for easy visibility to address the concerns for safety and providing the helmsman an easy way to determine the location of the boat cleat. 
     Other advantages include: (1) the solar powered illuminated boat cleat can be lighted, especially over shorter periods depending upon its energy storage, as a lamp; (2) can be easily found when at night; (3) can be used for a decoration for docks and boats, such where it installed with colorful LED capability; (4) it also can be used as a warning light, such as when a boat sails in at night; (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 boat cleat just gets its power from sun. 
     A preferred embodiment of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat is waterproof and also preferably of the type that may be attached to the deck of a boat or other watercraft. From the discussions above it can be appreciated that an illuminated boat cleat 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 a plan view looking into the side of a first embodiment of the subject solar powered illuminated boat cleat of the invention and is shown mounted to a structure which may be a boat dock or other plate; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded side view of the subject solar powered illuminated boat cleat seen in  FIG. 1  and showing further details of how the cleat is mounted to a boat dock; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional side view of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2  to further illustrates the mechanical details thereof and to give an extent of the self contained solar powered modular structure within the boat cleat mechanical housing support; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a more fully exploded view of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat as seen in  FIGS. 1-3  and shows an exploded side view of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat mechanical housing support as well as an exploded view of the self contained solar powered modular structure that resides within the boat cleat mechanical housing support; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat as seen in  FIGS. 1-4  and illustrates the fasteners that hold the self contained solar powered modular structure in place. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat as seen in  FIGS. 1-5  and illustrates further details of the solar powered modular structure and upper hex bolts; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating one possible realization of the relationship between a communicating solar powered illuminated boat cleat and a wireless connection to the internet as well as a wireless connection to a local controller; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating one possible realization of the internal circuitry within the solar powered illuminated boat cleat 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. 9  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat of the invention which may typically be a smaller version with seen in  FIGS. 1-4  and illustrates a base foot attachment and avoiding the center section mounted hex bolt attachment; and 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat as seen in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a plan view looking into the side of a solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  is shown. The solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  seen in  FIG. 1  includes a boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  and a solar powered modular structure  25  which is seen through a rectangular opening  27  of the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23 . The element of the solar powered modular structure  25  that is seen is lens  31  through which electromagnetic radiation may pass, both to illuminate and to communicate with outside entities. Lens  31  may be an integral part of an envelope which forms a waterproof protective sealed containment envelope around any electronic components carried within the solar powered modular structure  25 . 
     A preferred embodiment of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  may include a boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  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. 
     Boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  may have a base  33  and a number of vertical structures  35  arising from the base  33  which demark a center section  37 . The vertical structures  35  may be a single structure, a pair of structures, or more than a pair of structures, but will preferably demark and provide a space into which the solar powered modular structure  25  may be accommodatably fit and be protectably supported. The tops of the vertical structures  35  each may be continuous with an associated one of the cantilevered arms  39  which is shown extending away from the center section  37  in opposite directions. The two cantilevered arms  39 , provide for securing the lines from the watercraft to the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21 . A left cantilevered cleat arm  39  is seen extending from the center section  37  and a similar right cantilevered cleat arm  39  extending from the center section  37 , both preferably integral with the center section are provided to secure the lines from the boat to the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21 . The cantilevered arms  39  may be also attached to each other at the top of the vertical structures  35  by a frame section  41 . It may also be preferable for the cantilevered arms  39 , vertical structures  35 , frame section  41  and base  33  to be molded, joined or cast as one integral unit. 
     Also partially seen above the vertical structures  35  are the upper parts of two hex bolts  43 , one each seen above and extend through each of the vertical structures  35 . The upper area of each junction between the cantilevered arms  39  and frame section  41  includes an accommodating impression (not seen in  FIG. 1 ) into which the heads of the two hex bolts  43  rotationally lockably fit so that attachment by such hex bolts  43  may be accomplished without having to hold the opposite end of the hex bolts  43  from the end being tightened. 
     At the center bottom of  FIG. 1 , underneath the base  33 , a seal  45  is seen. The seal  45  provides for an added level of waterproofing to seal out the water from beneath the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21 . Below the seal  45 , a planar support structure  47  is seen as representing a dock, deck, pier plank, or other generally planar surface over which the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  is to be mounted. Below the planar support structure  47 , a pair of nuts  49  are seen, with each nut  49  attached to a corresponding one of the two hex bolts  43 . 
     The center section  37  utilizes two hex bolts  43  that go through the outer part of the center section  37  and provide a holding structure to secure the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  to the planar support structure  47  or dock by way of the hex nuts  47 . The mounting bolts  43  of sufficient length to allow the use of an optional backing plate (not shown) that would go under the dock or planar support structure  47  can provides for an added level of waterproofing to seal out the water from the assembly which may originate underneath the planar support structure  47 . 
     The pair of nuts  49  may be hex nuts and may threadably secure the hex bolts  43  against the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  to cause the base  33  of the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  to compress the seal  45  between the base  33  and planar support structure  47  to help seal out water and other contaminants from entering below the base. Seal  45  can be solid with accommodation holes for the two hex bolts  43  or may be in the form of an apertured ring depending upon materials and other factors present, but will preferably have an outer periphery slightly exceeding the outer periphery of the base  33  to insure good sealing to help keep out moisture and debris. 
     At the center top of  FIG. 1 , a solar cell cover  55  is partially seen only slightly rising above the frame section  41 . The solar cell (not specifically shown in  FIG. 1 ) underneath the solar cell cover  55  is mounted within the center section  37  where the light from the lighting sources (not explicitly shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be visible through the lens  1 . The solar cell cover  55  and the lens  31  may be parts of an integrated part of an envelope which forms a waterproof protective sealed containment envelope around any electronic components carried within the solar powered modular structure  25 . Such an a waterproof protective sealed containment envelope may form a “drop-in” housing which will constitute the unitary solar powered modular structure  25  which will fit within a central accommodation area and which may preferably enter the solar powered illuminated boat cleat. 
     The area within which the unitary solar powered modular structure  25  will stably reside is generally indicated by the direction of the arrow pointing within the rectangular opening  27  discussed above. It is preferable for the unitary solar powered modular structure  25  to be secured with smaller securing structures which are independent of the mechanical securing structures for the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  such as the two hex bolts  43  and pair of nuts  49  so that change-out of the unitary solar powered modular structure  25  can be accomplished without dislodging the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  in any way from the planar support structure  47 . 
     The preferably unitary solar powered modular structure  25  will stably be supported within the volumetric area between the two vertical structures  35  by its own weight and thus only relatively weak threaded members or other structures (not shown) will be needed to hold it in and minimally protect against theft. The reverse side of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  may have a lens  31  and the ability to project light out of the other side of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21 . Note that a wide number of different types of solar powered modular structure  25  can be selected and employed within the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21 . If controllability is achievable, it is possible to operate to produce light out of the opposite lenses  31  at different times and different colors as may be needed, especially if remote computer or central station control is achievable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a partially exploded side view of the subject solar powered illuminated boat cleat seen in  FIG. 1  shows further details of how the cleat is mechanically mounted to a boat dock or planar support structure  47 . The seal  43  may be available loose, or it may have some form of attachment to the bottom of the base  33 . The two hex bolts  43  have threads  59  which are visible in  FIG. 2 . The pair of nuts  49  are shown exploded and separate from the planar support structure  47 . The seal  45  is simply shown as being connected or associated with the base  33 . 
     The solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  is disclosed that provides for mounting the dock or the watercraft through the center section  37  and that provides for a bottom surface of the base  33  to be supported and bolted to the dock. The solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  will be mounted in a position with respect to the planar support structure  47  of a dock such that the illuminated light provided by the light sources will provide a warning of potential danger and indicates the location of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  boat cleat in poor lighting conditions. Just as it is advisable to utilize low beams when driving in fog the quality of light provided by the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  is ideal as high intensity lighting in poor conditions makes locating conventional boat cleats difficult. As such the lighting provided by the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  in poor conditions is advantageous and provides for a level of safety suggested in a waterfront location in which it is employed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a cross sectional side view of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is shown to further illustrate the mechanical details thereof and to give an extent of the self contained solar powered modular structure within the boat cleat mechanical housing support.  FIG. 3  shows a cross section side view of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  mounted to planar support structure  47  or a boat dock or other cleat supporting structure. The center section  37  is shown in a manner that provides for the use of two hex bolts  43  that go through the vertical structures  45  of center section  37  and through a bottom mounting surface  63  shown without the seal  45  to allow securing to the to planar support structure  47  or dock, by operation of the hex nuts  49 . 
     Underneath the solar cell cover  55 , a solar cell  61  is mounted within the center section  37  where the light from the lighting sources may be generated and visible through the lens  31 . The two cantilevered arms  39 , provide for securing the lines from a watercraft to the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21 . A battery holder  65  may be seen near the bottom mounting surface  63 . The battery holder  65  is mounted low so as not to obstruct or interfere with any of the internals at a level associated with outputting of light or generating of electrical power. Bolt head engagement depressions  67  are seen which engage the hex heads of the two hex bolts  43 , and bores  69  are shown extending through the vertical structures  35  to accommodate the bolts  43 . Further, a corresponding set of apertures  70  in the planar support structure  47  to enable the bolts  43  to pass through and engage the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  to the planar support structure  47 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a view which illustrates a more fully exploded view shows an exploded view of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  boat cleat mechanical housing support  23  as well as an exploded view of the self contained solar powered modular structure  25  that resides within the boat cleat mechanical housing support. Lens  31  is shown above the solar cell  61  and above an electronic circuit board  71  supporting a number of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  73 . Electronic circuit board  71  fits within structures associated with a reflector  77  (preferably made of plastic) which helps to disperse light as well as to provide reflective return of any light that impinges upon the reflector  77  such as from a vehicle. 
     The envelope which forms the solar powered modular structure  25  can be integrally formed of a number of types of components, including lens  31 , reflector  77  (which may be a fresnel lens or other light directing structure), solar cell cover  55 , battery holder  65 , or any other structure or combination of structures. The point of the envelope which forms the solar powered modular structure  25  is to integrate any needed structures into a waterproof, sealed envelope. 
     A pair of screws  81  are provided to secure the lens  31  and electronic circuit board  71  together. A rechargeable battery  83  is seen which may be an AA 1.2 volt 2000 mAH Ni-MH battery. Battery  83  and silicone rubber gasket  87  are shown above the plastic battery holder  65  that is sealed with another silicone rubber gasket ring  91  with a battery lid  93  securable with screws  97 . As shown, a top set of securing screws  101  can secure the assembled solar powered modular structure  25  within the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23 . Where the securing screws  101  have unusual locking heads, the assembled solar powered modular structure  25  will be more secure within the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  and less subject to tampering. 
     The assembled solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21 , with the silicon rubber gasket rings  87  and  91  as well as the seal  45  provides for an added level of waterproofing to seal out the water and provides for a waterproof rating of IP68 that is desired in waterfront applications. Within  FIG. 4  is the base unit, namely a battery  83 , a reflector structure  77 , a circuit board  71  with various circuits and which support LED lights  73  and a solar cell  61 . Any number of other circuits can be supported on the circuit board  71  including communications electronics which includes microprocessors, receivers and transmitters, clocks and timers, displays viewable through any part of the lens  31 , photocells for turning the LEDs  73  on and off based upon the level of ambient light, sound creation devices including buzzers and speakers, and more. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the first embodiment of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat as seen in  FIGS. 1-4  better illustrates an overall view and illustrates the fasteners that hold the self contained solar powered modular structure in place. The a top set of securing screws  101  are seen as being set apart from the hex bolts  43 . This means that the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  cannot be removed from the top, but only that the solar powered modular structure  25  may be able to be accessed. Securing screws  101  will preferably be made of stainless steel and will preferably have a security structure at the top to limit the ability of a passer-by or casual tool possessor from dislodging the solar powered modular structure  25 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a top view of the of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat as seen in  FIGS. 1-5  is shown and illustrates further details of the solar powered modular structure and upper hex bolts. Seen clearly for the first time are depressions  67  (hexagonal) into which the hexagonal heads of the hex bolts  43  fit. In this configuration, the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  can only be removed by accessing the pair of nuts  49  on the underside of the planar support structure  47 . Solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  may have an overall dimension as measured between the tip ends of a pair of cantilevered arms  39  of about twelve inches, a height of about four inches, and a width of about two and three quarter inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a block diagram illustrating one possible realization of the relationship between a solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  having communicating function is shown. The boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  23  is shown as supporting the solar powered modular structure  25  and a wireless connection to the INTERNET  111  as well as a wireless connection to a LOCAL CONTROLLER  115 . 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 illuminated boat cleat  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 solar powered illuminated boat cleats  21  to which the user has control capability. As by example, a harbor master may have control rights to all solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  in the harbor. However, a boat owner may be given control, subject to the overriding control of the harbor master, of solar powered illuminated boat cleats  21  adjacent his dock space. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a block diagram illustrating one possible realization of the internal circuitry within the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  is shown. Solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  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 , a BATTERY  131 , a CHARGING CONTROLLER  135  and the SOLAR PANEL  61 . 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  131 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a block diagram illustrating one possible realization of the internal circuitry within the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  is shown. Solar powered illuminated boat cleat  21  may include a CONTROLLER  121  which may or may not be connected to EXTERNAL SWITCHES  123 . CONTROLLER  121  may be connected to a set of CONTROLLED LIGHTS  127 , a BATTERY  131 , a CHARGING CONTROLLER  135  and the SOLAR PANEL  61 . In addition, the CONTROLLER  121  may also be connected to a PHOTOCELL  141 , a RECEIVER  143 , a TRANSMITTER  147 , a TIMER  149 , a CAMERA  153 , and a VOLTAGE METER  155 , with the VOLTAGE METER  155  also being connected to the BATTERY  131 . 
     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  131 , 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 illuminated boat cleat  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 illuminated boat cleat  21  may preferably include an IP68 waterproof rated solar powered center lighting system utilizing LED&#39;s or an EL display with a solar powered battery charging system to support the systems of  FIG. 8  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  73  or within the LEDs  73  and/or other light producing components. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a perspective view of a second embodiment of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat of the invention which may typically be a smaller version, is shown as a solar powered illuminated boat cleat  221  and having a boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  223 . Solar powered illuminated boat cleat  221  may utilize the same solar powered modular structure  25  with the same or greater capabilities than heretofore described. Solar powered illuminated boat cleat  221  may have a rectangular opening  227  adjacent a lens  31  of the solar powered modular structure  25 . A pair of bases  233  each support a vertical structure  235 . The vertical structures  235  demark a center section  237  between them which may contain the solar powered modular structure  25 . The upper area of the vertical structures  235  naturally turn outward into a pair of cantilevered arms  239 . A frame section  41  connects the pair of cantilevered arms  239 . In between the frame section  41  and pair of cantilevered arms  239 , a solar cell cover  255  is seen. Solar cell cover  255  may be integral with the solar powered modular structure  25 . A pair of threaded members  257  are seen securing the solar cell cover  255  and possibly the solar powered modular structure  25  with respect to the boat cleat mechanical housing support structure  223 . The pair of bases  233  are each seen as having a pair of spaced apart chamfered apertures  261  which are partially seen in  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a top view of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  221  as seen in  FIG. 9  shows further spatial details. The location of the chamfered apertures  261  with respect to the pair of bases  233  can be better understood. The second embodiment of the solar powered illuminated boat cleat  221  may preferably have an overall dimension as measured between the tip ends of the pair of cantilevered arms  239  of about eight inches, a width of the outermost point of the bases  233  of about three and three quarters inches, and an overall height of about three inches. 
     Invention: The term “invention” is used herein merely to relate to the inventive idea that is the subject of this Provisional patent application to refer to the “concept” being presented. The term “invention” shall not be construed to mean the “literal and legal” translation of the term “invention”; instead it shall pertain to the “concept” being presented. When this Provisional patent application is claimed as preference for the future non-provisional patent application then the term “invention” shall be taken at full face value of the “literal and legal” translation of the term. The term “invention” is used herein merely to relate to the inventive idea that is the subject of this Provisional patent application to refer to the “concept” being presented. The term “invention” shall not be construed to mean the “literal and legal” translation of the term “invention”; instead it shall pertain to the “concept” being presented. When this Provisional patent application is claimed as preference for the future non-provisional patent application then the term “invention” shall be taken at full face value of the “literal and legal” translation of the term. 
     IP-68: We shall refer to IP-68 to mean “waterproof” as defined by the International Protection Rating classifies and rates the degree of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in mechanical casings and with electrical enclosures. The 6 refers to No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact. The 8 states that the equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer. Normally, this will mean that the equipment is hermetically sealed. However, with certain types of equipment, it can mean that water can enter but only in such a manner that it produces no harmful effects. 
     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 claims.