Patent Publication Number: US-9841152-B2

Title: Traffic control light strip

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/169,729 entitled TRAFFIC CONTROL LED STRIP, filed Jun. 2, 2015 in the name of Damian Stafford, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to traffic warning and control devices and particularly to traffic and warning control devices used in relation to hazard or accident scene management. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Since the advent of motor vehicle traffic, a variety of situations have arisen that create the need for redirection and control of vehicle or traffic. In addition to the normal day-to-day traffic control provided by a variety of signal lights and signs, situations often occur that create unforeseen traffic hazards and congestion. 
     Such events which create unforeseen traffic hazards and congestion vary from serious collisions in which multiple vehicles and personal injury are involved to minor traffic impediments created by stalled or inoperative vehicles blocking one or more traffic lanes. Even the most basic of disabled or abandoned vehicle situations can require substantial traffic flow diversion and management to mitigate the hazards that they present. 
     For many years, emergency responders and associated traffic control operators have utilized a variety of warning and control devices. Such devices have included road flares, reflective signs, or traffic cones. The basic objective is to diverge or root traffic around such traffic flow impediments or accident scenes. For the most part, reflective traffic cones and reflective signs such as the well-known reflective triangle and hazard warning devices have proven to be cumbersome in use and time consuming in operation. Also, their effectiveness at night in poorly lighted areas leaves a great deal to be desired. 
     In the face of growing numbers of emergency situations and traffic emergencies and traffic flow impediments, practitioners in the art have endeavored to meet the need for more effective easily deployed traffic warning and control apparatus. For example, U.S. Published Patent Application US 2011/0109235 issued to Link sets forth an EXPANDABLE AND CONTROLLABLE LED LIGHTING STRIP in the form of a transparent long strip having a plurality of LEDs supported upon a flexible printed circuit board in a spaced relationship. The circuit board is coated with a transparent waterproof protective layer and includes a male and female connector at the opposed ends thereof. The connectors facilitate the serial connection of two or more of the lighting strips in an end-to-end relationship. A control chip is packaged on a reverse side of the circuit board for controlling the illumination. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,637, issued to Atchison et al, sets forth a COMPACT, FLEXIBLE LED ARRAY that provides a flexible, high density, low profile lighting system that includes a flexible printed circuit board substrate which is adapted to support and electrically interconnect surface mount electronic components. A plurality of surface mount light emitting diodes are mounted on the substrate so as to define a conformable and bendable lighting array configured for mounting upon surfaces with compound curvature. Each of the surface mount light emitting diodes includes a footprint of five square millimeters or less and when mounted adjacent and in contact with one another defines a light density output between 2 and 20 candles per square centimeter. 
     Published patent application US 2003/0053307 issued to Talamo et al, sets forth a LIGHTING STRIP FOR DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE SYSTEMS that includes an elongated insulating base upon which one or more light emitting diodes strips each supporting a plurality of light emitting diodes are positioned. A terminal housing supporting operative power systems and control apparatus is coupled to one end of the lighting strip while the remaining end may be coupled to an end cap. The light emitting diodes are encapsulated within a light transmission material top cover to provide physical protection and seal for the light emitting diodes. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,168,989 issued to Isobe, sets forth an LED LIGHT SOURCE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME in which the light emitting diodes of the various colors are mounted upon the frame without dicing the frame for dividing the light emitting diodes into pieces. In this manner the red, green and blue primary color light emitting diode light source may emit a selected color or white. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,837, issued to Gustafson, sets forth an INTEGRALLY FORMED LINEAR LIGHT STRIP WITH LIGHT EMITTING DIODES having first and second bus elements spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance for operative connection to a power source. A substrate strip includes a top surface and a bottom surface having a printed circuit there on. At least one light-emitting diode including electrical contact prongs is provided with the light emitting diode being mounted on the top surface of the substrate strip and with the electrical contact prongs contacting printed circuit on the bottom surface of the substrate strip. An extruded plastic material completely encapsulates the first and second bus element with the substrate strip and the light emitting diodes to provide a protective barrier and make the light strip impervious to moisture. 
     While the foregoing described prior art devices have to some extent improved the art for traffic control light strips and have, in some instances, enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing and unresolved need in the art for evermore low cost, efficient and effective apparatus for control of traffic flow and hazard management. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved traffic control light strip. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved traffic control light strip which is flexible and supports a plurality of LEDs at spaced intervals. It is a still more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved traffic control light strip that may be serially coupled to other similarly constructed light strips to form an elongated traffic control light strip. It is a still more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved traffic control light strip that supports a power and control unit as a plug-in attachment and further supports a connector plug at each end of the strip. 
     In accordance with the present invention there is provided a traffic control light strip assembly comprising: first, second and third types of elongated light strip segments each having a generally flat elongated body defining first and second ends, and LED unit supported upon the body. 
     The traffic control light strip is fabricated by assembling one or more of the first type of light strip segments to a serial assembly of six light strip segments of the second type and thereafter assembling the end of the last second segment to one light strip segment of the third type. The resulting light strip assembly, formed of a serial combination of one first type light strip segment, six second type light strip segments and one third type light strip segment made thereafter be utilized as a single elongated light strip. 
     The first type of light strip segment includes an elongated body having connectors at both ends and an LED unit there between. A connection pad, preferably near one of the end connectors, is configured to receive and couple to a power and control unit. 
     The second type light strip segments are identical to each other and include an elongated body having connectors on each end thereof and an LED unit, preferably near the body midpoint. 
     The third type of light strip segment includes an elongated body having a connector at one end compatible with the second type light strip segment and a connector compatible with another light strip assembly together with an LED unit near the elongated body midpoint. 
     The resulting traffic control light strip assemblies are capable of being rolled onto a storage and transport reel while remaining serially connected when not in use and extended to and unrolled configuration for deployment upon a roadway surface. Alternatively, the entire traffic control light strip may be fabricated as a single unit rather than a serial combination of light strip segments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  sets forth a top plan view of an illustrative traffic hazard together with a plurality of traffic control light strips constructed in accordance with the present invention deployed in a protective manner; 
         FIG. 2A  sets forth a perspective assembly view of a traffic control light strip constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  sets forth a perspective assembly view of a traffic control light strip constructed in the accordance with the present invention fabricated as a single elongated unit; 
         FIG. 2C  sets forth a perspective assembly view of a traffic control light strip segment constructed in accordance with the present invention supporting a reflector element; 
         FIG. 3A  sets forth a partial perspective view of the flexible base of the present invention traffic control light strip constructed to be the initial segment of the light strip assembly and constructed to receive a power and control unit; 
         FIG. 3B  sets forth a perspective assembly view of the flexible base of the present invention traffic control light strip constructed to be an intermediate strip segment; 
         FIG. 3C  sets forth a perspective assembly view of the flexible base of the present invention traffic control light strip constructed to be an end strip segment; 
         FIG. 4  sets forth a bottom perspective view of the power and control unit of the present invention traffic control light strip; 
         FIG. 5  sets forth a section view of the initial strip segment of present invention traffic control light strip; 
         FIG. 6  sets forth a perspective view of the present invention traffic control light strip supported upon a storage reel; 
         FIG. 7  sets forth a section view of an alternate LED unit of the present invention traffic control light strip supporting a flip-up reflector; 
         FIG. 8  sets forth a block diagram of the power and control unit of the present invention traffic control light strip; 
         FIG. 9  sets forth a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention traffic control light strip in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 10  sets forth a side elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention traffic control light strip shown in  FIG. 9  folded into a closed configuration; and 
         FIG. 11  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention traffic control light strip. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  sets forth a top plan view of an illustrative emergency scene, generally referenced by numeral  10 , that is an example of a scene toward which the present invention traffic control light strip may be directed. In scene  10 , a typical roadway  11  includes opposing lanes  12  and  13 . Along one portion of lane  12 , a roadway edge  14  is formed defining the outer edge of the payment material for lane  12  of roadway  11 . By way of further illustration, a tree  15  is shown adjacent roadway edge  14  and a vehicle  16  is shown having drifted from lane  12  of roadway  11  so as to impact tree  15  and remain partially extending into lane  12  of roadway  11 . Thus, in the scene depicted in  FIG. 1 , an illustration is given in which the collision of vehicle  16  with tree  15  has resulted in disabling vehicle  16  such that the extension of the rear portion of vehicle  16  beyond edge  14  partially obstructs lane  12  of roadway  11 . In accordance with the present invention, emergency responders coming upon scene  10  are able to quickly and effectively deploy a pair of serially connected light strip assemblies  20  and  50 . The combination of light strip assemblies  20  and  50  provides an elongated lighting strip which, when deployed as shown, will provide a hazard warning for vehicles traveling in the direction indicated by arrow  17  upon lane  12  of roadway  11 . Additionally, the deployment of light strip assemblies  20  and  50  is also configured to provide a similar warning for vehicles traveling in the direction indicated by arrow  18  upon lane  13  of roadway  11 . In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, light strip assemblies  20  and  50  are serially connected to provide an overall combined length for the light strip assemblies suited to the accident scene in which they are deployed. 
     Light strip assemblies  20  and  50  are substantially identical and thus the detailed descriptions which follow for light strip assembly  20  will be understood to apply with equal force and effect to light strip assembly  50 . The important aspect with respect to the present invention is the advantage found in the ability of the present invention traffic control light strips to be serially connected and thereby increase the traffic control light strip overall length to meet the needs of a given accident scene. It will also be noted that in the example shown in  FIG. 1  light strip assemblies  20  and  50  are each formed of the serial combination of a plurality of light strip segments. It will be further noted that in the particular configuration of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1  light strip assemblies  20  and  50  utilize a single LED unit for each light strip segment. While this arrangement has been found to be advantageous, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative numbers of LED units may be employed for each light strip segment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be equally apparent that while the utilization of eight light strip segments has been employed in fabricating light strip assemblies  20  and  50 , this number is provided primarily for purposes of illustration. It will be equally apparent to those skilled in the art that a different number of light strip segments may be serially joined to form a light strip assembly without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     With particular reference to light strip assembly  20 , a plurality of light strip segments  21  through  28  are serially joined by a corresponding plurality of cooperating connector pairs  31  through  37 . The structure of connector pairs  31  through  37  is set forth below in greater detail. Suffice it to note here that connector pairs  31  through  37  provide mechanical attachment between adjacent light strip segments together with appropriate electrical connections therebetween. Connectors  30  and  38  facilitate connection of light strip assembly  20  to other light strip assemblies in a manner that allows the action of the LED units to be synchronized. Each of light strip segments  21  through  28  supports an LED unit  41  through  48  respectively. For purposes of the example shown herein, each LED unit will be understood to support a single high power light emitting diode. Once again, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of light emitting diode configurations may be utilized within LED units  41  through  48  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, each LED unit may support a light emitting diode which emits light of a selected color, white light or infrared light to suit particular needs. By way of further alternative, pluralities of light emitting diodes, having different color, or brightness outputs, may be supported within each of the LED units to provide alternative color effects. 
     In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, light strip assembly  20  utilizes light strip segments  21  through  28  with each segment being approximately three feet in length. In further accordance with the preferred fabrication of the present invention traffic control light strip, eight three foot segments are combined to provide an overall length of approximately twenty-four feet for light strip assembly  20 . Once again, it will be understood that, while this arrangement has been found to be advantageous, the present invention is not limited to any particular light strip segment length or number of light strip segments joined to form the inventive light strip assembly. 
     As mentioned above, light strip assembly  50  will be understood to be substantially identical to light strip assembly  20 . In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention light strip assembly  20  includes a connector  38  while light strip assembly  50  includes a cooperating connector  61 . Accordingly, the serial combination of light strip assembly  20  and light strip assembly  50  is accomplished by the connection provided by cooperating connectors  38  and  61 . 
     A power and control unit  29  is attached to one end of light strip assembly  20  in the manner set forth below in greater detail. Suffice it to note here that the attachment of power and control unit  29  to the end of light strip assembly  20  provides electrical connection between the operative circuitry within power and control unit  29  and the electrical circuit within light strip segments  21  through  28 . It will be recalled that connector pairs  31  through  37  provide electrical connections between their respective light strip segments. Similarly the connection provided by connectors  38  and  61  further couples control circuit  29  to control circuit  39  of light strip assembly  50 . In this manner, a single control unit is able to control all of the light emitting diodes within light strip assemblies  20  and  50 . 
     Once light strip assemblies  20  and  50  have been deployed and joined serially in the manner shown in  FIG. 1 , an effective warning barrier of high intensity lights is provided to signal the hazard presented by vehicle  16  to vehicles traveling in both directions  17  and  18 . The resulting warning light barrier is easily and quickly deployed in the manner set forth below to provide for quick and effective control of traffic moving upon roadway  11 . Once the emergency situation has been resolved and vehicle  16  has been removed, power and control units  29  and  39  are deactivated and, thereafter, light strip assemblies  20  and  50  are disconnected by separating connectors  61  and  38 . Light strip assemblies  20  and  50  may then the rolled onto a storage reel shown in  FIG. 7  and stored in the manner also shown in  FIG. 7 . The structure of the storage reel is set forth below in  FIG. 7  in greater detail. Suffice it to note here that the storage reel may include a handle porting a remote control as well as one or more storage receptacles for receiving additional battery pack units. 
       FIG. 2A  sets forth a perspective assembly view of light strip assembly  20 . As mentioned above, light strip assembly  20  is fabricated by joining eight light strip segments utilizing a plurality of cooperating connector pairs  31  through  37  (seen in  FIG. 1 ). As is also mentioned above, light strip assembly  20  supports a cooperating power and control unit  29  which is able to power and control the light producing apparatus within light strip assembly  20 . 
     By way of overview, and as is mentioned, above, light strip assembly  20  includes light strip segments fabricated as three basic segment types. Light strip segments (such as segment  21 ) of the first segment type support an LED unit and are constructed to provide one connector able to make a synchronizing signal and mechanical connection to another light strip assembly together with a second connector for power and control connection to another light strip segment. The second type of light strip segments (segments  22  through  27 ) support an LED unit together with connectors at each end suitable for power and control coupling to another light strip segment. The third type of light strip segment (segment  28 ) supports an LED unit and one connector at one and for power and control connection to another light strip segment and one connector at the remaining end configured to make a control signal connection and mechanical attachment to another light strip assembly. 
     More specifically, light strip segment  21  (which is configured as a first type) includes a connector plug  91  at one end thereof and a connector receptacle  81  at its opposite end. Light strip segment  21  further supports an LED unit  41 . For purposes of illustration, LED unit  41  is shown near the midpoint of light strip segment  21 . However it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the position of LED unit  41  is a matter of design choice and the centered position of LED unit  41  shown in  FIG. 2  is merely illustrative and should not be interpreted as a limitation of the present invention. Light strip segment  21  further includes a connection pad  101  near connector plug  91 . Connection pad  101  is configured to receive and facilitate attachment of a power and control unit  29 . Accordingly, connection pad  101  includes a plurality of sockets  110  together with a plurality of exposed electrical contacts  111 . The structure of connection pad  101  is also set forth below in  FIG. 5  in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here that contacts  111  facilitate electrical connection between LED unit  41  and power and control unit  29 . 
     Light strip segments  22  through  27  are light strip segments of the second type and are substantially identical to each other. Accordingly, light strip segment  22  supports an LED unit  42  together with a connector plug  92  and a connector receptacle  82  at opposed ends thereof. Similarly, light strip segments  23  through  27  support respective LED units  43  through  47  together with respective connector plugs  93  through  97  and respective connector receptacles  83  through  87 . Lights strip segment  28  is a segment of the third type having a connector  98  suitable for power and control coupling to another strip segments such as segment  27  and a connector  88  suitable for providing control signal coupling to another light strip assembly. 
     The fabrication of light strip assembly  20  is carried forward by connecting light strip segments  21  through  28  in a serial fashion. This assembly is carried forward by inserting connector plugs  92  through  98  into connector receptacles  81  through  87  respectively. As mentioned above, and as is set forth below, the insertion of a connector plug into a connector receptacle provides both mechanical attachment and electrical connection. Thus, as connector plug  92  is inserted into connector receptacle  81 , light strip segments  21  and  22  are joined mechanically and electrical connection is provided between the conductors (seen below) within light strip segment  21  and those of light strip segment  22 . Similarly, insertion of connector plug  93  into connector receptacle  82  performs a similar mechanical and electrical connection. In the same manner, insertion of connector plugs  94  through  98  into connector receptacles  83  through  87  performs a similar mechanical and electrical connection to complete light strip assembly  20 . 
     In the preferred fabrication of light strip assembly  20 , the mechanical connection provided between connector plugs  92  through  98  within connector receptacles  81  through  87  respectively is enhanced by additional attachment operations such as thermal or sonic welding. It will be apparent that other forms of additional attachment may be utilized such as engaging spring clips or threaded fasteners. For purposes of improved safety, the attachment between connector plugs  92  through  98  and connector receptacles  81  through  87  is configured to provide a “breakaway” attachment characterized by separation of the connector plug from its respective connector receptacle when subjected to an excessive force. It has been determined that the attachment of each connector plug to its cooperating connector receptacle should separate when subjected to a stress exceeding a one hundred pound force. This breakaway characteristic is desirable to provide an enhanced safety factor in the unlikely event that a deployed traffic control light strip constructed in accordance with the present invention becomes entangled with a passing vehicle or other similar occurrence. 
     Connector plugs and connector receptacles used in light strip assembly  20  are fabricated of a molded plastic material which readily facilitates the breakaway characteristic. As a result, the desired separation characteristic is readily provided by controlling the thickness of material utilized in forming each of the connector receptacles and controlling the extent and number of attachment welds utilized in fabricating light strip assembly  20 . 
       FIG. 2B  sets forth a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention traffic control light strip assembly generally referenced by numeral  60 . Light strip assembly  30  differs from light strip assembly  20  set forth above in that it is fabricated of a single elongated flexible body rather than a plurality of strip segments joined by connectors. Thus light strip assembly  60  includes an elongated flexible body  70  having a connector  91  at one end and a connector receptacle  88  at the remaining end. Body  70  further supports a plurality of LED units  41  through  48 . Body  70  further supports a connection pad  101  which is substantially identical to connection pad  101  shown in  FIG. 2A  above. In further similarity to  FIG. 2A  above, a power and control unit  29  is received upon connection pad  101 . The operation of light strip assembly  60  is substantially identical to the operation of light strip assembly  20  described above. Specifically power and control unit  29  provides electrical power for operating and controlling LED units  41  through  48 . By way of further similarity connector plug  91  is configured to provide controls signal coupling and mechanical attachment to an additional light strip assembly. Also connector receptacle  88  is configured to receive the connector plug of another light strip assembly and provide mechanical attachment there between and control signal coupling. 
       FIG. 2C  sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention traffic control light strip showing a light strip segment generally referenced by numeral  100  which differs from other light strip segments (such as light strip segments  22  through  27  set forth above in  FIG. 2A ) in that an LED unit  142  supports a “flip-up” reflector  49 . The structure of LED unit  142  is, apart from the attachment of reflector  49 , substantially the same as LED unit  42 , set forth below in  FIG. 7  in greater detail. Suffice it to note here that reflector  49  is preferably formed of a flexible material and thus is able to bend when strip segment  100  is rolled for storage in the manner set forth below in  FIG. 6   
       FIG. 3A  sets forth a perspective view of light strip segment  21 . As described above, light strip segment  21  defines an elongated generally flat body having a connector plug  91  at one end thereof and a connector receptacle  81  at the remaining end thereof. Connector plug  91  supports a single female connector  136  while connector receptacle  81  supports a plurality of connector pins  156 ,  157 ,  158 , and  159 . Light strip segment  21  further defines a connection pad  101  having contacts  111  supported thereon. Contacts  111  include a plurality of spring contacts  116 ,  117 ,  118  and  119 . A connecting wire  126  provides control connection between female connector  136  and spring contact  116  to synchronize illumination patterns between light strip assemblies. A further plurality of connecting wires  146 ,  147 ,  148  and  149  provide electrical connection between spring contacts  116  through  119  and connector pins  156  through  159 . Thus, it will be noted that connecting wires extending between contacts  111  and connector receptacle  81  produce electrical connection passing through light strip segment  21 . This is the manner in which serial connection between light strip segments is provided. As is better seen in  FIG. 5 , connecting wires  146  through  149  also provide electrical connection to LED unit  41 . Returning to  FIG. 3A , it will be noted that spring contact  116  is electrically connected to female connector  136 . By means set forth below in greater detail, spring connectors  116  through  119  provide electrical connection to light strip segment  21  when power and control unit  29  is attached to the light strip. Suffice it to note here that attachment of power and control unit  29  applies appropriate electrical power and operative electrical signals to light strip segment  21  through spring contacts  116  through  119 . 
       FIG. 3B  sets forth a perspective view of light strip segment  22 . As described above, light strip segment  22  defines an elongated generally flat body having a connector plug  92  at one end thereof and a connector receptacle  82  at the remaining end thereof. Connector plug  92  supports a plurality of connectors  136 ,  137 ,  138  and  139  while connector receptacle  82  supports a plurality of connector pins  156 ,  157 ,  158 , and  159 . Light strip segment  22  further supports an LED unit  42  (seen in  FIG. 2A ). Receptacle  81  supports a plurality of connector pins  156 ,  157 ,  158 , and  159 . 
       FIG. 3C  sets forth a perspective view of light strip segment  28 . As described above, light strip segment  28  defines an elongated generally flat body having a connector plug  98  at one end thereof and a connector receptacle  88  at the remaining end thereof. Connector plug  98  supports a plurality of connectors  136 ,  137 ,  138  and  139  while connector receptacle  88  supports a single connector pin  156 . Light strip segment  28  further supports an LED unit  48  (seen in  FIG. 2A ). Receptacle  88  supports a single connector pin  156 . 
       FIG. 4  sets forth a bottom perspective view of power and control unit  29 . As mentioned above, power and control unit  29  is attached to connection pad (seen in  FIG. 5 ) to provide electrical operating power and control to the light emitting diodes within the LED units such as LED unit  41  supported upon light strip segment  21  (seen in  FIG. 2A ). Power and control unit  29  includes a plurality of batteries  27  constructed in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques which are used to provide operating power for the light strip segments within the present invention light strip assembly. The operation of the power and control circuitry within power and control unit  29  is described below in  FIG. 8 . Suffice it to note here that conventional electrical wiring (not shown) is utilized within power and control unit  29  to couple batteries  27  to the operative circuitry within power and control unit  29 . A power switch  120  and a mode select switch  121  are supported upon power and control unit  29  and are utilized in activating and de-activating the power control unit as well as selecting the particular LED flashing pattern desired by be user when the traffic and control strip is deployed. As is also set forth in  FIG. 8 , a remote control may be employed. The bottom surface of power and control unit  29  reports a plurality of downwardly extending generally cylindrical attachment posts  115  together with a plurality of contacts  112 . Contacts  112  include a plurality of downwardly extending spring contacts  122  through  125 . With concurrent reference to  FIGS. 3A and 5 , the assembly of power and control unit  29  to connection pad  101  of light strip  21  is carried forward by positioning power and control unit  29  above connection pad  101  so as to align posts  115  with sockets  110 . Thereafter, power and control unit  29  is lowered onto connection pad  101  inserting posts  115  into sockets  110 . In the preferred fabrication of the present invention the relative size of posts  115  and sockets  110  is selected to provide a “moderately tight fit”. In this manner the attachment between power and control unit  29  and connection pad  101  is sufficient to maintain the position of power and control unit  29  upon connection pad  101 . Spring contacts  122  through  125  are positioned upon the bottom surface of power and control unit  29  to provide alignment between spring contacts  122  through  125  and spring contacts  116  through  119  thereby establishing electrical signal and power coupling between power and control unit  29  and light strip segment  21 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 4 , once power and control unit  29  is secured to light strip segment  21  in the manner described above, power switch  120  provides an “on/off” functional control to activate or deactivate the light strip. Similarly, mode select switch  121  is used to set the operating mode by which power and control unit  29  causes the illumination pattern of light emitting diodes within the light strip assembly to be established. As mentioned above in the preferred fabrication of the present invention power and control unit  29  is selectively operated in illumination patterns which vary and which, may for example, include steady illumination of all LED units, flashing illumination of some or all LED units, sequential illumination of LED units or alternating illumination of LED units. Once again, it will be noted that power and control unit  29  may be remotely controlled. 
       FIG. 5  sets forth a partial section view of light strip segment  21  together with power and control unit  29 . Light strip segment  21  forms an elongated generally flat body having a connector plug  91  supported at one end and a connector receptacle  81  supported at the opposite end. Light strip segment  21  further includes a connection pad  101  having a plurality of sockets  110  and a plurality of electrical contacts  111 . As is seen in  FIG. 3A , contacts  111  include a plurality of spring contacts such as contact  119 . Power and control unit  29  supports a plurality of batteries  27  together with operational and control circuitry (seen in  FIG. 8 ). Power and control unit  29  also includes a plurality of downwardly extending posts  115  which are received within sockets  110  as power and control unit  29  is assembled to connection pad  101  of light strip segment  21 . The attachment of power and control unit  29  to connection pad  101  produces electrical connection between spring contacts  122  through  125  of power and control unit  29  (seen in  FIG. 4 ) and contacts  116  through  119  of connection pad  101  (seen in  FIG. 3A ). 
     Connector plug  91  supports a female connector  136  while connecting wire  126  provides electrical connection between female connector  136  and contact  116 . Connector receptacle  81  supports a connector pin  159  which is coupled to contact  119  by a connecting wire  149 . A connector plug  92  is shown inserted into connector receptacle  81  for purposes of illustration. Light strip segment  21  includes an LED unit  41 . LED unit  41  is formed of a high strength material such as high strength plastic or the like which is either transparent, color tinted or light transmissive frosted material. LED unit  41  includes a dome  49  which protects light emitting diode  40  supported within LED unit  41  in the event that a vehicle runs over LED unit  41 . In addition, dome  49  transmits light energy emanating from light emitting diode  40 . Connecting wire  146  provides electrical connection to light emitting diode  40 . 
       FIG. 6  sets forth a perspective view of light strip assembly  20  being configured to or from a transport or storage configuration. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention the flexible material from which light strip assembly  20  is fabricated facilitates the convenient rolling of light strip assembly  20  upon a storage reel  150  in the direction indicated by arrow  19 . Once light strip assembly  20  has been fully rolled upon storage reel  150 , it may be conveniently stored. Storage reel  150  is of substantially conventional construction and includes a center hub  178  supported by a pair of base members  176  and  177 . Base members  176  and  177  are supported by bases  154  and  153  respectively. A handle  152  is supported above hub and  178  by a U-shaped vertical support  151 . Bases  153  and  154  each include respective battery storage departments  167  and  168 . Storage compartments  167  and  168  function to provide convenient storage of backup battery units for powering the traffic control strip during extended use. Handle  152  supports a remote control  170  (seen in  FIG. 8 ). 
       FIG. 7  sets forth a section view of an LED unit  142  which supports a flip up collector  49  in the manner set forth above in  FIG. 2C . As described above LED unit  142  is substantially identical to LED unit  42  described above with the difference being found in the attachment of flip up reflector  49 . Accordingly LED unit  142  includes an internally supported LED  140  housed within a light transmission dome  141 . Dome  141  further includes a channel  135  which receives the lower end of reflector  49 . The attachment of the lower and of reflector  49  within channel  135  is accomplished by simply sliding the headed portion of the lower end of reflector  49  into channel  135 . 
       FIG. 8  sets forth an operational block diagram of a power and control system  155  operative within power and control unit  29  (seen in  FIG. 2A ). Also shown in  FIG. 8  is a plurality of light strip assemblies  20 ,  40  and  50  serially joined to form a light strip array controlled by power and control unit  29 . A microprocessor  160  includes an associated processor memory  161  coupled thereto. An LED driver  162  is operatively coupled to microprocessor  160  and is further coupled to a multiple connection connector array  166 . A mode selection circuit  121  is operatively coupled to microprocessor  160 . A battery power supply  27  includes a plurality of conventional batteries. Battery supply  27  is further coupled to a power switch  120  through which battery power is coupled to microprocessor  160 , LED driver  162  and mode selection circuit  121 . Power switch  120  provides an “on/off” function for conserving battery power during periods of storage and non-operation. Battery power supply  27  may utilize conventional replaceable batteries. Power and control system  155  further includes a remote signal receiver  164  coupled to a remote system switch  165 . A remote control handheld unit  170  is utilized in combination with remote signal receiver  164 . The combination of remote signal receiver  164  and handheld unit provides the user with the capability to operate and configure power and control system  155  from a remote location. Remote handheld unit  170  and remote signal receiver  164  may utilize virtually any conventional wireless communication protocol without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In operation, switch  120  is moved to the “on position” which activates the system components within power and control system  155 . Mode select circuit  121  provides mode selection information to microprocessor  160 . In response to the mode selection input, microprocessor  160  accesses memory  161 . Within memory  161  a software program that is utilized in the operation of microprocessor  160  is stored. Accordingly, in response to the mode selection input and the stored operating program within memory  161 , microprocessor  160  configures LED driver  162  to provide operating electrical signals to connector array  166 . Light strip assemblies  20 ,  40  and  50  respond to the applied control and power signals to produce the desired illumination pattern within the light strip assemblies. 
     As mentioned above, power and control system  155  may be operated remotely utilizing the communication between handheld remote control unit  170  and remote receiver  164 . Thus, the user is able to actuate handheld remote control unit  172  to communicate changes in the operation of power and control system  155 . The extent of remote operation is determined by the fabrication of the remote control system. In the configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , remote operation is able to communicate signals to power and control system  155  capable of activating and deactivating the system and altering or selecting the illumination mode applied to light strip assemblies  20 ,  40  and  50 . The extent and degree of remote control provided is a matter of design choice. 
       FIG. 9  sets forth a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention traffic control light strip generally referenced by numeral  180 . Traffic control light strip  180  is a “folding” embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, traffic control light strip  180  includes a pair of light strip segments  181  and  182  joined by a hinge  183  two provide a traffic control light strip which may be unfolded to the open configuration shown in  FIG. 9  during use and which may be folded to the closed configuration set forth in  FIG. 10 . In addition, each of light strip segments  181  and  182  further include telescoping extendable portions  184  and  185  respectively. This extension capability facilitates a maximum length for the traffic control light strip in its fully unfolded and extended configuration, as seen in  FIG. 9  while also providing an extremely compact folded configuration, as seen in  FIG. 10 . 
     More particularly, traffic control light strip  180  includes a pair of light strip segments  181  and  182  pivotally joined by a hinge  183 . Light strip segment includes an extendable member  185  which is joined to light strip segment  181  by a telescoping junction  188 . Junction  188  facilitates the extension of extendable member  185  away from light strip segment  181  for a distance of approximately twelve inches. Conversely, extension junction  188  allows extendable member  185  to be moved into light strip segment  181  to a compact configuration in which the overall length is decreased by twelve inches. Similarly, junction  187  facilitates the extension of extendable member  184  away from light strip segment  182  for a distance of approximately twelve inches. Conversely, extension joined  187  allows extendable member  184  to be moved into light strip segment  182  to a compact configuration in which the overall length is decreased by twelve inches. 
     Light strip segment  181  supports a light transmissive dome  191  while extendable member  185  reports a light transmissive dome  190 . Similarly, light strip segment  182  supports a light transmissive dome  192  while extendable member  184  supports a light transmissive dome  193 . Each of domes  190 ,  191 ,  192  and  193  supports one or more light emitting diodes which provide illumination of each of the light transmissive domes. Extendable member  185  further supports a power and control unit  200 . Extendable member  184  further supports a protective lip  186 . In accordance with the above-described operation, power and control unit  200  includes a battery power supply together with a microprocessor control circuit which energizes each of the light emitting diodes within domes  190 ,  191 ,  192  and  193  to produce the desired illumination pattern selected by the user. Power and control unit  200  further supports an LED work light  195 . Traffic control light strip  180  is configured from the open configuration shown in  FIG. 9  to the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 10  by initially moving extendable members  184  and  185  into light strip segments  182  and  181  respectively and thereafter folding light strip segments  181  and  182  together. Segments  181 ,  182 ,  184  and  185  each support a magnet  196 ,  197 ,  198  and  199  respectively which facilitate attachment of traffic control light strip  180  to a metal surface such as a vehicle surface or the like. 
       FIG. 11  sets forth a perspective assembly view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention traffic control light strip. Specifically, the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  provides an alternative light strip segment generally referenced by numeral  210  which provides an alternate initial strip segment to be utilized in place of light strip segment  21  set forth above in  FIG. 3A . By way of overview, and with concurrent reference to  FIGS. 11 and 3A , it will be understood that light strip segment  210  differs from light strip segment  21  in that a control circuit  230 , constructed in accordance with the control circuit of  FIG. 8 , is supported within light strip segment  210  rather than being supported within the cooperating power unit as is set forth above. Accordingly, it will be further understood that power unit  201  differs from power and control unit  29  (seen in  FIG. 4 ) in that power unit  201  supports a plurality of batteries  202  but does not support control circuit  230 . 
     More specifically, light strip segment  210  includes an elongated generally flat body supporting a plug connector  212  at one end and a connector receptacle  220  at the remaining end. Light strip segment  210  further supports a power and control circuit  230  which is constructed in accordance with the operational circuit set forth in  FIG. 8 . Light strip segment  210  further includes a female connector  213  supported within plug connector  212 . Female connector  213  is coupled to control circuit  230  by a connecting wire  216 . Light strip segment  210  further supports a connection pad  211  which includes four sockets  207  and a contact assembly  228 . A pair of spring connectors  214  and  215  are supported within contact assembly  228 . Connector receptacle  220  supports a plurality of connector pins  223 ,  224 ,  225  and  226  which are coupled to control circuit  230  and spring contacts  214  and  215  by a plurality of connecting wires  233 ,  234 ,  235  and  236  respectively. An on/off switch  217  and a mode select switch  218  are supported upon light strip segment  210  and by conventional wiring are coupled to control circuit  230 . 
     A power unit  201  supports a plurality of connector posts  203  together with a pair of spring contacts  204  and  205 . Power unit  201  supports a plurality of conventional batteries  202  which by conventional wiring (not shown) are electrically coupled to spring contacts  204  and  205 . Power unit  201  is assembled to connector pad  211  of light strip segment  210  by aligning posts  203  with sockets  207  and pressing power unit  201  onto connection pad  211 . The alignment of posts  203  with sockets  207  ensures that spring contacts  204  and  205  of power unit  201  are aligned with spring contacts  214  and  215 . Once power unit  201  is fitted to contact pad  211 , the operation of light strip segment  210  is substantially identical to the operation of light strip segment  21  as a type one light strip segment. 
     What has been shown is a traffic control light strip which supports a plurality of light emitting diode illumination devices within a plurality of LED units upon an elongated supporting strip. A power and control unit responsive to operator inputs is operatively coupled to the LED units to provide selective illumination patterns of the light emitting diodes. The traffic control light strip is supported by a flexible elongated base member which allows the entire traffic control light strip to be rolled from a deployed configuration to a convenient storage configuration. In an alternate embodiment, the traffic control light strip includes a pair of extendable hinge coupled support members that facilitate folding the traffic control light strip to a closed transport and storage configuration. 
     While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.