Abstract:
A modular marker comprised of one or more modular sections that may be secured together to provide a control device for controlling the flow of vehicles or people. The modular marker is comprised of a base member, a cap member, and may include one or more tubular members for extending the height of the marker and for receiving webs, tapes, chains, ropes, wood slats, or metal bars for the construction of a barrier. The modular sections easily interlock with each other and include a security thread to enable secure interlocking of the modular sections. The modular sections include vertical slots to enable easy insertion of preprinted marker tapes or other appropriate cross members to provide rapid construction of a barricade appropriate to the situation in which it is used.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to control devices for controlling the flow of vehicles or people, and more particularly to a modular marker that is capable of being placed in a series to support ropes, tapes, chains, or similar barricade delineators for the control of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Since it is modular, the traffic marker is capable of being assembled in a variety of configurations to form barricades for specific control situations. The traffic marker can also be used in a stand-alone configuration to support signs, lights, or similar objects to call attention to a hazard, direct pedestrians, or provide important information. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many traffic control devices have been proposed for the control of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in airports, streets, construction areas, businesses, and numerous other locales. These traffic control devices typically consist of pylons that are molded of plastic and are of either single-piece construction or of a series of pieces that are capable of breaking down to reduce space requirements for storage. The prior art traffic control devices however are typically not of modular construction and therefore can only be set up in one configuration. They are therefore limited in usefulness as their single configuration enables their use for only one specific application. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,869 to Grammas et al., issued Sep. 20, 1988, for example, discloses a communication apparatus that is capable of displaying visual information thereon. A specific embodiment of the communication apparatus has a support having upright side walls and a top wall forming a pentahedron. Provision is made for weight means to be inserted into pockets around the lower edge of side walls. Although the communication apparatus of patent &#39;869 provides a means of displaying communications, it is not modular and capable of being tailored for a special use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,657 to Signorelli, issued Apr. 25, 2000 discloses a safety or traffic marker including a base portion and an upper portion with the base portion configured for facilitating upright placement of the marker on a surface. The upper portion of the marker is divided into two separate sections for receiving a tape dispenser therein and for dispensing an elongated strip of tape or safety material. Although the upper portion of the marker can accommodate different signage devices, the overall height of the marker is not adaptable for special uses. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,600 to Brown et al., issued Feb. 6, 2001 discloses a traffic channeling device including a delineator stem with hollow upper and lower portions and with the upper portion stepped inwardly along its axial length. The hollow construction and stepped surfaces enable several of the traffic channeling devices to be stacked upon each other. Although the traffic channeling device of the &#39;600 patent enables reduced space requirements for storage, the device is not modular and therefore not capable of being easily reconfigured to suit different traffic control applications. 
     There is therefore a need for a traffic control device that is modular, and therefore provides the ability to be configured for specific applications including modular assembly to accommodate various heights and to meet various specific uses. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention therefore provides a modular traffic marker that provides several advantages over current state of the art traffic control devices that arc intended to control the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic around a given area. 
     A significant advantage provided by the modular marker of the present invention is that it is of modular construction, and therefore can easily be tailored at the site to many different configurations to fit the requirements of the application. The modular construction enables the marker to be set up as either a signaling device, capable of displaying a sign, or as a barricade. The modules also enable construction of traffic markers of various heights. 
     The modules of the present invention include rounded sides, therefore providing no sharp edges that could be harmful to pedestrians or vehicular traffic. 
     The modules are constructed in high visibility colors, additionally improving the safety of the invention. 
     The tubular modules include thick side walls that are of solid construction, thereby improving the stability of the modular marker. 
     Another advantage is that the modules are easily assembled together, allowing quick field assembly of the modular marker of the present invention. 
     An additional advantage is provided by a security thread feature, which enables the modules to be locked tightly together and not be easily disassembled. 
     Another advantage is the inclusion of cylindrical surfaces on each module for easy acceptance of and minimal wastage of expensive reflective tape. 
     Although the security thread feature provides secure connection of the modules to one another, a feature is provided to allow modules to be disassembled and reassembled in other configurations if desired. This provides the advantage of easy reconfiguration of the modular marker when desired. 
     The modular marker is configured to accommodate either ropes or tapes for forming barricade delineators. 
     Another advantage is that the modular marker is very stable. The base member can be provided in various sizes to increase or decrease the stability as desired. 
     The modular marker has the advantage of being versatile, able to accept signs for use as a marker or able to accept ropes, tapes, or similar items for configuration as a barricade. 
     The modular marker may be constructed in a theft-resistant version, which provides enhanced security against theft of inserted tapes. 
     Enhanced visibility is provided by the modular marker, as provision is made for attachment of lights to the markers. 
     An advantage is provided by inclusion of tape holding slots within each modular section, thereby enabling marker tape to be channeled through the modular sections. 
     The base member of the modular marker includes grooves for allowing passage of surface water thereby preventing the markers from being moved by surface water runoff. 
     The base member of the present invention includes a convoluted bottom surface to provide a more stable platform on uneven ground such as sand or unpaved areas. 
     An additional advantage of the modular marker and all its components is that it may easily and inexpensively be molded and mass produced out of polymeric materials, although it could also be constructed of wood, metal, or a variety of materials. 
     These, and other objects, will become readily apparent to one of skill in the art after reading this disclosure. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     To provide an easily assembled yet secure traffic marker and accomplish the other aforementioned advantages, the applicant has devised a novel modular traffic marker device. The device includes tubular modules, a base, and a cap that are preferably molded of polymeric materials, but may be constructed of wood, metal, or a variety of materials. One or more of the modules may be assembled with the base and cap to provide a traffic marker appropriate for the traffic situation for which it is intended, including the posting of signs or the construction of barricades. The modular sections easily interlock with each other and a security thread is provided to enable secure interlocking of the modules to the base member and the cap member. The modular sections include vertical slots to enable easy insertion of preprinted marker tapes to provide rapid construction of a barricade appropriate to the situation in which it is used. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the base member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the base member shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3A is a sectional view of the base member taken along lines A—A of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 3B is a detailed sectional view of a portion of the base of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tubular member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the tubular member of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 5A is a side elevational view of the same tubular member of FIG. 5 but rotated 90° to the left. 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of the tubular member of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 6A is a sectional view of the tubular member taken along line A—A of FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the tubular member of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 6C is a sectional view of the tubular member taken longitudinally through the tubular member at detail area “C” in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the tubular member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the tubular member of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 9 is a side elevational view showing the tubular member of FIG. 8 rotated 90° to the left. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the assembled modular marker of the present invention including the base member, three tubular members, and a cap member. 
     FIG. 10A is a side elevational view of the assembled modular marker of FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the assembled modular marker of FIG. 10A but with the separate parts exploded away from each other. 
     FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the assembled modular marker of FIG. 10 with a light secured to the cap. 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of two modular markers according to the present invention joined through the cap portions by a rope. 
     FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of two modular markers according to the present invention connected by three tapes spaced apart vertically and stretched through the longitudinal slots of the tubular members. 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic illustrating use of the modular marker and three marker tapes to delineate a barricaded area for the queueing of people. 
     FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of two modular markers with a rope or stiff bar suspended through the cap and having a panel or sign suspended from the rope. 
     FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of two modular markers according to the present invention holding a barricade. 
     FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a modular marker according to the present invention holding a sign attached within a longitudinal slot in the top tubular member. 
     FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a modular marker according to the present invention illustrating a sign attached to the cap member. 
     FIG. 20 is a side elevational view showing the cap attached directly to the base member to form a low profile modular marker or a caution cone. 
     FIG. 21 is a side elevational view illustrating the combination of one tubular member with a cap and base to form a short modular marker. 
     FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a modular marker having one tubular member and reflective tape attached to the top recessed area and to the base member. 
     FIG. 23 is a side elevational view illustrating the combination of two tubular members with a cap and base to form a modular marker of intermediate height. 
     FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a modular marker having three tubular members with reflective tape attached to the recessed areas below the cap, at the joints between the tubular members, and between the base and lowest tubular member. 
     FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a modular marker constructed with three tubular members according to FIG.  4  and with reflective tape applied at the joints between the sections. 
     FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a modular marker constructed with three tubular members according to FIG.  7  and including a light fixture secured to the cap. 
     FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a modular marker constructed with three tubular members according to FIG.  7  and including an alternate cap with a circular panel to which a sign or a reflective material may be attached. 
     FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of a modular marker constructed with one long tubular member. 
     FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a modular marker constructed with one tubular member of intermediate length. 
     FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cap member used with the modular marker of the present invention. 
     FIG. 30A is a top view of the cap member of FIG.  30 . 
     FIG. 30B is a sectional view of the cap member taken along line A—A of FIG.  30 A. 
     FIG. 30C is a side elevational view of the cap member of FIG.  30 . 
     FIG. 30D is a bottom view of the cap member of FIG.  30 . 
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE SPECIFICATION AND DRAWINGS 
       40 —modular marker 
       42 —tubular member 
       42 A—first or bottom tubular member 
       42 B—second or middle tubular member 
       42 C—third or top tubular member 
       44 —base member 
       46 —cap member 
       48 —stable surface 
       50 —light 
       52 —longitudinal slot 
       54 —aperture (in cap member) 
       56 —first or top end (of tubular member) 
       56 A—first or top end (of tubular member) 
       58 —second or bottom end (of tubular member) 
       58 B—second or bottom end (of tubular member) 
       60 —extension 
       62 —exterior threads 
       64 —longitudinal ribs 
       66 —shoulder 
       68 —non-threaded area 
       70 —outer periphery (of tubular member) 
       72 —interior threads 
       74 —inner periphery (of tubular member) 
       76 —lateral teeth 
       78 —long surface (of teeth) 
       80 —short surface (of teeth) 
       82 —security thread or fastening and locking arrangement 
       84 —bottom (of base member) 
       86 —top extension (of base member) 
       88 —exterior threads (of base member) 
       90 —grooves 
       92 —convoluted surface 
       94 —horizontal opening 
       96 —recessed areas 
       98 —side walls (of longitudinal slot) 
       100 —center (of slot) 
       102 —outer edges (of slot) 
       104 —tubular member (alternate embodiment without horizontal opening) 
       106 —short modular marker (alternate embodiment) 
       108 —reflective tape 
       110 —intermediate height modular marker (alternate embodiment) 
       112 —joint 
       114 —cap member (alternate embodiment) 
       116 —panel area 
       118 —long length tubular member (alternate embodiment) 
       120 —intermediate length tubular member (alternate embodiment) 
       122 —top portion (of cap member) 
       123 —rope 
       124 —barricade (alternate embodiment) 
       126 —barricade 
       128 —marker tape 
       130 —sign or panel 
       132 —barricade (alternate embodiment) 
       134 —sign 
       136 —short caution cone 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As this invention may be more easily explained by reference to the attached drawings, it should be noted that the figures are representative and exemplary of the invention only, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. 
     The present invention, a modular traffic marker, is suitable for channeling pedestrian or vehicular traffic or for displaying signs for providing messages to alert people to hazards or other important conditions. 
     Referring to FIG. 26, a side elevational view is shown of the preferred embodiment of the modular marker device of the present invention. The modular marker  40  includes one or more tubular members  42 , a base member  44 , and a cap member  46  which are all modular and easily secured together. The modular nature of the tubular member  42 , base  44 , and cap  46  allow the modular marker  40  be assembled in various configurations, only one of which, a lighted traffic marker, is shown in FIG.  26 . With reference to the subsequent description along with reference to the attached drawings, it will become obvious to anyone skilled in the art that the modular marker of the present invention exhibits great flexibility and can be configured for many traffic control situations. 
     As shown in FIG. 26, the base member  44  is typically placed on a surface  48 , and, for this configuration, three tubular members  42  are attached to the base member  44  to achieve the proper height for displaying the light  50 . The preferred embodiment of the modular marker  40  typically includes longitudinal slots  52  in each of the tubular members  42  and an aperture  54  in the cap member  46 . These features of the modular marker will become clear to one skilled in the art by reading the following discussion and reference to the attached drawings. 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, the preferred embodiment of the tubular member  42  includes the longitudinal slot  52  which is located approximately centrally in the tubular member  42 . The tubular member  42  includes two ends  56 ,  58  that are designed to provide a security thread, or fastening and locking arrangement, for rapidly securing two or more of the tubular members together. The first end  56  includes an extension  60  that is of a smaller diameter than the body of the tubular member  42 . The extension  60  includes exterior threads  62  near its end and one or more longitudinal ribs  64  at the shoulder  66  formed by the juncture with the body of the tubular member  42 . 
     Details of the first end  56 , the exterior threads  62 , and the longitudinal ribs  64  are shown in more detail in the top view of the tubular member  42  and the detail of the longitudinal rib  64  in FIG.  6 . The exterior threads  62  are discontinuous, although they extend around most of the outer periphery of the extension  60 , with the longitudinal ribs  64  extending from the non-threaded area  68 . The longitudinal ribs  64  extend farther from the outer periphery of the extension  60  than do the exterior threads  62 . 
     Details of the second end  58  of the tubular member  42  can be understood by reference to FIGS. 6B and 6C. As shown in FIG. 6C, the second end  58  of the tubular member  42  includes interior threads  72  on the inner periphery  74  of the tube and, nearer the second end  58 , a plurality of lateral teeth  76 . Referring to FIG. 6B, details of the lateral teeth  76  show they are formed with a long surface  78  and a short surface  80 . 
     It should be stated at this point that the first  56  and second  58  ends of the tubular member  42  as shown in FIG. 9 are designed to enable securing a plurality of tubular members together, such as shown in FIG. 26, to configure a modular marker according to the specific needs of the user. Therefore, the first end  56 , the details of which are shown in FIG. 6, is designed to cooperate with the design of the second end  58 , as shown by the details of FIGS. 6B and 6C. To operate the invention, referring to the exploded view of the modular marker  40  in FIG. 11, a user would typically connect two or more tubular members  42 , the base member  44  and the cap member  46 . Tubular members would be connected by inserting the first end  56 A of a first tubular member  42 A into the second end  58 B of a second tubular member  42 B and rotating the first end  56 A of the first member  42 A clockwise into the second end  58 B of the second tubular member  42 B. The design of the first  56  and second  58  ends of the tubular member  42  form a security thread, or fastening and locking arrangement  82 , which cooperate to securely lock the two members together. 
     Referring again to FIGS. 6,  6 B, and  6 C, insertion and clockwise rotation of the first end  56  into the second end  58  starts a connection sequence in which the exterior threads  62  on the first end  56 , extending to a lesser diameter than the lateral teeth  76  of the second end  58 , slide easily past the teeth  76  and contact the interior threads  72  of the second end  58 . Continued clockwise rotation of the first end  56  into the second end  58  causes the exterior threads  62  on the first end  56  and the interior threads  72  on the second end to mesh and thread together. Continued clockwise rotation causes the longitudinal ribs  64  on the first end  56  to contact the long surface  78  of the teeth  76  and, since the longitudinal ribs  64  extend to a greater diameter than the inner diameter of the teeth  76 , ride up the slight incline provided by the long surface  78 . Continued clockwise rotation causes the longitudinal ribs  64  to successively ride up each long surface  78  until the second end  58  eventually contacts the shoulder  66  of the first end  56 . At this point the two tubular members are fastened securely together. Counterclockwise rotation of the first tubular member with respect to the second tubular member causes the longitudinal ribs  64  to contact the short surfaces  80  of the teeth  76 . As the short surface  80  of the teeth  76  is of a much steeper incline with respect to the rotating longitudinal ribs  64 , quite a bit of resistance is created to unfastening of the tubular members. The fastening and locking arrangement  82  of the present invention therefore forms a security thread that is very effective to prevent unwanted tampering and separation of the tubular members. 
     Now referring again to FIG. 11 it can be discerned by the practitioner that the base member  44  may include exterior threads (not shown) and longitudinal ribs (not shown) similar to the first end  56  of the tubular member  42  to facilitate a security thread between the base  44  and bottom tubular member  42 A. Similarly, cap member  46  can include lateral teeth  76  and interior threads  72 , as shown in FIGS. 30B and 30D, to provide a security thread between the cap member  46  and the topmost tubular member. 
     It should be pointed out at this time that the first end  56  of the tubular member  42 , as shown in FIG. 9, may be referred to also as the top end  56 , as it will always be oriented vertically with the first end up for assemblage of the modular marker. Second end  58  can therefore also be referred to interchangeably as the bottom end  58 , as it will always be oriented down. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , the preferred embodiment of the base member  44  of the present invention includes a bottom  84  that allows the base member to be set on supporting surface such as a floor, a street surface, or the ground. A top extension  86  contains exterior threads  88  that will mesh with the interior threads of the bottom end of a tubular member (not shown). It is preferred that base member  44  be hollow, as shown in FIG. 3A, to allow for easy transport to a traffic control site. Once at the site, and placed on a supporting surface, the base member  44  may be filled with sand, water, or similar materials to provide ballast or weight for supporting the base member  44  and the additional modular members that are attached to it to form a modular marker according to the present invention. Although it is preferred that the base member  44  be hollow, it could easily be formed of a solid material that provides instant weight for stabilizing the modular marker. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, it is preferred that the bottom  84  of the base member  44  include grooves or channels  90  to facilitate removal of surface water runoff when the modular marker is used outdoors. The preferred arrangement of the grooves  90  is radially outward from the center of the bottom  84  of the base member  44  as shown, to allow easy placement of the base member  44  in any orientation with respect to a prevailing slope and still allow water runoff to run beneath it. It is also preferable that the bottom  84  include a convoluted or wavy surface  92 , as shown in FIG. 3B, to provide a more stable platform when the base member  44  is placed on uneven or soft ground, such as sand. 
     Although FIG. 1 shows the base member  44  with exterior threads  88  that cooperate with the bottom end of a tubular member (not shown) for a rapid securement of the base to a tubular member, the top extension  86  could also be provided with longitudinal ribs (not shown) at the base of the threads to provide a security thread similar to that of the tubular members. This would provide a more permanent connection of the base member to the tubular member (not shown). 
     Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the preferred embodiment of the tubular member  42  also includes a horizontal opening  94  from the outer periphery  70  of the tubular member  42  into the longitudinal slot  52 . The horizontal opening  94  allows a tape, such as a printed emergency tape, to be fed rapidly into the slot  52 . There are now available commercially produced barrier tapes which are typically printed with warning messages such as “POLICE—EMERGENCY”, “CAUTION—WET FLOOR”, “NO PARKING”, “WARNING—CONSTRUCTION AREA”, “WARNING—SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED”, etc. These barrier tapes are typically constructed of bright, highly visible colors and may include highly visible bands of additional colors to draw attention to the barrier. The longitudinal slot  52  is therefore oriented longitudinally through the tubular member  42  to allow good visibility of the barrier tape and its printed message. The longitudinal slots  52  provide a means to carry the tape without folding or bending it, thereby adding a prominent feature to the modular marker that is not available in the prior art. The preferred size of the longitudinal slot  52  is typically 0.25 to 0.75 inches wide by 4 to 6 inches length to accommodate the wide tapes commercially available, although other the slot can be provided in other sizes for other specific applications. The horizontal opening  94  is typically 0.125 to 0.25 inches in width to allow entry of the tape into the longitudinal slot  52 , although narrower or wider openings can be provided for specific applications. A wide tape, typically 4 to 5 inches in width, would be typically installed in the slot by inserting a first side of the tape into the opening  94 , pushing the tape (not shown) into one end of the longitudinal slot  52  until the tape is bunched in that end and totally within the slot  52 , and then straightening the tape by pushing the second side of the tape to the opposite end of the slot  52 . The barrier tapes are typically constructed of stiff material and therefore tend to easily straighten out when inserted in the foregoing manner. 
     As also shown by reference to FIGS. 7,  8 , and  9 , the preferred embodiment of the tubular member  42  typically is narrower in diameter at each end than in the center creating recessed areas  96  near each end  56 ,  58 . The wider center allows the longitudinal slot  52  to provide more surface area for securely holding a barrier tape (not shown). The recessed areas  96  include perfectly cylindrical sides to provide a location for reflective tape to be applied to the modular marker after it is assembled. Reflective tape is typically very expensive. The narrow diameter and cylindrical sides of the recessed areas  96  therefore provide an area for application of reflective tape that will minimize usage and wastage of the tape. The diameter of the tubular member  42  is typically 2.75 inches, although narrower or wider diameters could be provided if warranted by a specific application. 
     Further details of the longitudinal slot  52  may be discerned by reference to FIG. 6A which is a cross-sectional view taken along line A—A of FIG.  5 A. The tubular member  42  is preferably blow molded from a polymeric material and therefore the longitudinal slot  52  is typically enclosed by side walls  98 . The slot  52  is preferably narrower in the center  100  of the slot  52  than at the outer edges  102 . The narrower center  100  facilitates better gripping and holding of the barrier tape that will later be inserted into the slot  52 . The cross-sectional dimensions of the slot  52  is typically 0.58 inches wide at the outer edge  102  and typically 0.44 inches at the center  100 , although these dimensions can be changed if desired for a special application. 
     FIGS. 4,  5 , and  5 A show an alternate embodiment of the tubular member of the modular marker. The alternate tubular member  104  includes a longitudinal slot  52  that does not include a horizontal opening into the slot. This embodiment of the tubular member is used in those applications in which tampering or theft of the barrier tape (not shown) is likely. Without a horizontal slot, the barrier tape cannot be slid sideways into the slot  52 , but similarly it makes tampering or pilferage of the inserted tape much more unlikely. Chain can be substituted for tape to provide an even more secure modular marker. 
     FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of the various members used to form the modular marker  40  of the present invention, including, from the bottom to the top of the figure, the base member  44 , three tubular members  42 A,  42 B, and  42 C, and a cap member  46 . The fully assembled modular marker  40  constructed with three tubular members  42  is depicted in FIGS. 10 and 10A. For a modular marker comprised of three tubular members, the tubular members  42  are preferably 11 to 13 inches in length, the cap member  46  preferably 3 inches in length, and the shoulder of the base member  44  typically 12.5 inches off the ground. Assemblage of the preferred embodiments of the base member  44 , three tubular members  42 , and cap member  46  therefore would produce a modular marker extending to approximately 51 inches from the supporting surface. The modular marker could however easily be assembled with more or less tubular members as desired to tailor the marker for specific applications. FIG. 21, for example, shows a short modular marker  106  created by assembling a base  44  and cap  46  with one tubular member  42 . FIG. 22 shows the short marker  106  with one tubular member  42  and reflective tape  108  applied to the recessed area  96  at the top  56  of the tubular member and reflective tape applied to the top of the base member  44 . FIG. 23 illustrates a modular marker according to the present invention using two tubular members  42  to form a marker  110  of intermediate height. 
     Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, a modular marker  40  is shown having three tubular members  42  and with reflective tape  108  applied to the recessed areas  96  near the top  56  and bottom  58  of each tubular member. The reflective tape  108  applied to the recessed areas  96  between adjacent tubular members  42  provides the additional benefit of straddling the joint  112  where the adjacent tubular members  42  meet. This provides additional security against theft or tampering by strengthening the joint between the tubular members. 
     With reference to FIG. 27, a modular marker  40  is shown with an alternate cap member  114  which includes a circular panel area  116  to which a sign, message, or reflective material may be attached. 
     FIGS. 28 and 29 show alternate embodiments of the tubular members. As shown in FIG. 28, the tubular member  118  may be formed in a long length, with more than one longitudinal slot  52 . This limits the flexibility of modifying the modular marker for various heights, but for those applications in which only a tall marker is desired, a long tubular member  118  may be provided such as shown in FIG.  28 . Similarly, as shown in FIG. 29, an intermediate length tubular member  120  may be provided for the rapid assemblage of modular markers of intermediate height. 
     Further details of the cap member  46  of the modular marker can be understood by referring to FIGS. 30,  30 A, and  30 C. As shown in the perspective view in FIG. 30, the preferred embodiment of the cap member  46  includes an aperture  54 . The aperture  54  is provided for constructing barricades using the modular marker wherein a rope, chain, or web of some type is desired at the height of the cap member. As shown in FIGS. 30A and 30C, the aperture  54  typically runs straight through the cap member  46 . The cap member is preferably blow molded of a suitable polymer but may also be constructed of wood, metal, or a variety of materials. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 30B, the cap member  46  includes a solid top portion  122  and the aforementioned security thread arrangement  82  formed in the lower portion. 
     With reference to FIG. 12, the modular marker  40  is shown supporting a caution light  50 . The caution lights are commercially available and are typically low-voltage lights with a self-contained battery. A special module may also be provided for use with the modular marker. 
     FIG. 13 illustrates another application of the modular marker  40  of the present invention with a rope  123  inserted through the cap members  46  to form a barricade  124 . 
     FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a barricade  126  formed using three levels of marker tape  128  that is available commercially. The marker tape  128  is available commercially and, as previously mentioned, may be printed with warning messages such as “WARNING—CONSTRUCTION AREA”, “CAUTION—WET FLOOR”, “NO PARKING”, “WARNING—SAFETY GLASSES REQUIRED”, etc. FIG. 15 illustrates how the barricade using three levels of tape can be deployed to delineate a cordoned area for controlling the flow of airline passengers, customers at a bank teller window, etc. 
     FIGS. 16 through 20 provide illustrations of additional arrangements of the modular marker according to the present invention. FIG. 16, for example, illustrates the suspension of a rope or chain  123  through the cap members  46  to support a large sign or panel  130 . FIG. 17 illustrates two modular markers holding a barricade  132  that may consist of rope, chain, wood slats, or metal bars  127  as desired. Wood slats or metal bars would provide a more permanent type of barricade. FIG. 18 illustrates how a sign  134  may be easily attached to a modular marker  40 . The sign would typically include an attached horizontal bracket (not shown) that would enable it to slip easily into the horizontal opening  94  and thence into the lower portion of the longitudinal slot  52 . FIG. 19 illustrates another sign application, in which the sign  134  is attached to the cap member  46 . FIG. 20 illustrates the use of the base member  44  and cap member  46  secured together without any intervening tubular members, in order to provide a short caution cone  136  modular marker. Reflective tape  108  has been applied to the top of the base member  44  for enhanced visibility. 
     Although the preferred method of manufacturing the tubular member, base member, and cap member of the modular marker is by blow molding an extruded polymer, they could, however, be made by injection molding of polymers or by rotational molding of polymers. The modular pieces of the invention could also be made of wood, metal, or a variety of materials if desired. 
     The preferred material of construction is high density polyethylene (HOPE), but could also be low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ABS, nylon, or other appropriate polymeric materials. Various materials could be added to the polymer prior to forming, such as pigments and UV protectors, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The surfaces of all the formed pieces, the tubular members, the base member and the cap member are all formed with rounded edges for enhanced safety during assembly and use of the modular marker. 
     Although the security thread feature provides secure connection of the modules to one another a feature is provided to allow modules to be disassembled and reassembled in other configurations if desired. Referring to FIG. 26, tubular members that have been fastened together may be taken apart by turning the lower tubular member  42  in a direction counterclockwise to the tubular member  42  above it. A great deal more force must be used than was used to fasten the tubular members  42  when originally joined. This is because the security thread  82  must be overcome. As shown in FIGS. 6,  6 B, and  6 C, when the lower tubular member is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the upper tubular member, the longitudinal ribs  64  contact the short surface  80  of the lateral teeth  76 . So it is possible to separate the tubular members once connected by the security thread, but significantly more force is required. This does however provide the advantage of reconfiguration of the modular marker if necessary. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the base member  44  is typically 13.5 inches in inside diameter at the bottom  84  and 11.25 inches in inside height. This allows the preferred embodiment of the base member  44  to hold approximately 19 pounds of water when filled. Alternately, the base could be filled with sand or similar readily available materials. The base member  44  could, however, easily be provided with a larger or smaller base member if desired to provide more or less weight holding capability if needed. 
     The above descriptions, discussion of the features, and some various specific embodiments and configurations should illustrate the flexibility and novelty of the modular marker according to the present invention. As described above, a significant advantage provided by the modular marker of the present invention is that it is of modular construction, and therefore can easily be tailored at the site to many different configurations to fit the requirements of the application. The modular construction enables the marker to be set up as either a signaling device, capable of displaying a sign, or as a barricade. The modules also enable construction of traffic markers of various heights. The longitudinal slots provide a means to hold barrier tape without any bending, twisting, or knotting of the tape. 
     Although the drawings show many specific features and examples of the modular marker of the present invention, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that many features could be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     So therefore, while the invention has been described by reference to the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the invention is subject to considerable modification and may be tailored to fit the needs of many specific traffic control and marker needs without departing from the scope or spirit of the claims that are appended hereto.