TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to traffic control systems, and more specifically, to traffic control systems having flexible LED light assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In construction zones, at least some known traffic control systems include a plurality of traffic cones having reflective surfaces and/or electric signage that are positioned to alert drivers to changes in traffic route patterns. In addition, known traffic control systems may also include modular concrete and/or plastic barriers to separate lanes of traffic to established temporary traffic patterns. However, during evening hours, these known traffic control systems may become difficult to see by automobile drivers as the reflective surfaces become less effective as the sunlight fades. Accordingly, improvements to traffic control system visibility is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a traffic control lighted strip assembly is provided. The traffic control lighted strip assembly includes a flexible transparent housing and a LED light assembly positioned within with the flexible transparent housing. The flexible transparent housing includes an inner surface that defines a support cavity extending between a first open end and a second opposite open end along a longitudinal axis. The LED light assembly is positioned within the support cavity and extends between the first open end and the second open end. The LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED light pods spaced along the longitudinal axis. Each LED light pod includes a predefined number of LED lights. An electrical quick connect coupler is coupled to an end of the LED light assembly for connecting the LED light assembly to a power source.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a traffic control lighted strip assembly is provided. The traffic control lighted strip assembly includes a flexible transparent housing and an LED light assembly positioned within the flexible transparent housing. The flexible transparent housing includes a housing body including a plurality of sidewalls extending between a first endwall and an opposite second endwall along a longitudinal axis, and extending between a first side and an opposite second side along a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The housing body includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a housing cavity that extends between a first open end defined at the first endwall and a second open end defined at the second endwall. The outer surface is formed of a flexible transparent material such that the housing cavity is viewable through the outer surface. The LED light assembly is positioned within the housing cavity and extends between the first open end and the second open end. The LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED light pods spaced along the longitudinal axis. Each LED light pod includes a predefined number of LED lights. An electrical quick connect coupler is coupled to an end of the LED light assembly for connecting the LED light assembly to a power source.

In a further embodiment, a traffic control system is provided. The traffic control system includes a support reel assembly and a traffic control lighted strip assembly adapted to be spooled about the support reel assembly. The traffic control lighted strip assembly includes a flexible transparent housing and an LED light assembly positioned within the flexible transparent housing. The flexible transparent housing includes a housing body including a plurality of sidewalls extending between a first endwall and an opposite second endwall along a longitudinal axis, and extending between a first side and an opposite second side along a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The housing body includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a housing cavity that extends between a first open end defined at the first endwall and a second open end defined at the second endwall. The outer surface is formed of a flexible transparent material such that the housing cavity is viewable through the outer surface. The LED light assembly is positioned within the housing cavity and extends between the first open end and the second open end. The LED light assembly includes a plurality of LED light pods spaced along the longitudinal axis. Each LED light pod includes a predefined number of LED lights. An electrical quick connect coupler is coupled to an end of the LED light assembly for connecting the LED light assembly to a power source.

