Retractable lighted traffic control strip

Abstract

A traffic control device specially adapted to replace lines of slow-burning flares now commonly used to direct vehicular traffic around a crime or accident scene. The device includes two spools of ribbons that mount a series of fluorescent, reflective and illuminated markers. The ribbons can be quickly unrolled and laid out on the pavement separately or end-to-end. The ribbons have laterally bendable segments that allow definition of horizontally arcuated traffic patterns. The illuminated markers are fired in repetitive sequential pattern pointing toward the direction of traffic. The spools are mounted on a holding caddy and incorporate a power source and an electronic lighting control unit for the illuminated markers.

1 . The vehicular traffic control device which comprises: 
 at least one spoolable length of ribbon having a top surface, a bottom surface, lateral edges, a distal end, and a proximal end;    a plurality of directional markers mounted on said top surface;    a first type of interconnecting means at said distal end;    a second type of interconnecting means, at said second end cooperatively matable to said first type of connecting means; and    whereby a number of said lengths of ribbon can be interconnected end-to-end and laid on a roadway to direct traffic.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said directional markers include reflective markers.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said directional markers include fluorescent markers.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said directional markers include illuminated markers.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said illuminated markers extend above said top surface.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein said illuminated markers include sequential lighting circuits; 
 whereby said markers are sequential enabled according to the direction of traffic.    
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 5  wherein each of said illuminated markers comprises: 
 a transparent cover;    a lighting element; and    a light-enabling circuit.    
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1  which further comprises: 
 a caddy including: 
 a frame;  
 at least one roller movably supporting said frame above ground; and  
 at least one spool shaped and dimensioned to spirally accommodate at least one of said lengths of ribbon.  
   
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said caddy further includes a source of electrical power for said markers.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said caddy further comprises electrical connectors to bring power to said markers.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 9  wherein said source of power comprises a rechargeable battery.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said length of ribbon further comprises laterally flexible segments; 
 whereby said length of ribbon may be laid flat on the ground in a horizontally arcuate pattern.    
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said length of ribbon further comprises distance measurement marks along one of said lateral edges.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein a number of said markers are fluorescent.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said first and second types of interconnecting means comprise patches of hook-and-loop fabric fasteners.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 4  which further comprises mating electrical connectors at said distal and proximal ends.  
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 8  wherein said caddy further comprises a retractable power cord.