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| “ Me and them go way back.” | |||
| ].]] | |||
| ~ Oscar Wilde on Traffic Cones | |||
| ] to indicate that no parking is allowed.]] | |||
| ⚫ | Traffic Cone | ||
| '''Traffic cones''', also called '''traffic pylons''', '''road cones''', '''highway cones''','''highway products''', '''safety cones''', '''witch's hat''', or '''construction cones''', are usually ]-shaped markers that are placed on roads or footpaths to temporarily redirect ] in a safe manner. They are often used to create separation or ] during ] projects or ], although heavier, more permanent markers or signs are used if the diversion is to stay in place for a long period of time. | |||
| Scientific Classification | |||
| ==History== | |||
| Kingdom: Constructa | |||
| Traffic cones were invented in 1914 by American Charles P. Rudabaker,<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=AdmKxSn00QgC&pg=PA52&dq=Charles+Rudabaker+traffic+cone&hl=en&sa=X&ei=umuJT5PSHsHq2AXk4KTFCQ&sqi=2&ved=0CEsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Charles%20Rudabaker%20traffic%20cone&f=false|title=Loss Prevention and Safety Control: Terms and Definitions|publisher=Taylor & Francis|page=52|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> who used them on the streets of ]. They were made of concrete.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.tprts.com/tpr_traffic_solutions_cones.html|title=Cones|publisher=TPR Traffic Solutions|accessdate=30 April 2012}}</ref> The first traffic cones used in the United Kingdom occurred In 1958, when the ] opened. These traffic cones were a substitute for red lantern ] burners being used during construction on the Preston Bypass.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> In 1961, David Morgan of ], ], UK believes that he constructed the first experimental plastic traffic cones, which replaced pyramid-shaped wooden ones previously used.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=NDtK62KVHtQC&pg=PA49&dq=Traffic+cone+history+David+Morgan&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FNaeT62RGIem8gSXiYmdDw&ved=0CEsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Traffic%20cone%20history%20David%20Morgan&f=false|title=Eccentric Britain, 2nd: The Bradt Guide to Britain's Follies and Foibles|publisher=Bradt Travel Guides|page=49-51|accessdate=30 April 2012}}</ref> | |||
| Division: Erectophyta | |||
| Class: Megalopsida | |||
| Order: Pillarformeales | |||
| Family: Naranjeae | |||
| Genus: Ampulla | |||
| Species | |||
| Ampulla conus traficus | |||
| Ampulla conus icedcreamicus | |||
| The traffic cone (Ampulla conus traficus) is the adolescent stage of the orange construction barrel, a fruiting plant that has become common in industrialized societies due to unique adaptations that allow it to thrive in the harsh conditions created by urbanization. The proliferation of roads in urban areas creates an inevitable build-up of decaying road material, the orange construction barrel's ideal habitat. | |||
| Contents | |||
| editClassification | |||
| The distinct shape of traffic cones initially led scientists to believe them to be a separate species from the orange construction barrel (Ampulla fabricatio barrelus), but similarities in color and habitat provided the first clues that the two might, indeed, be the same species. This suspicion was confirmed by a series of groundbreaking studies conducted in the early 1990s, where researchers were able to observe, for the first time, the total life cycle of the orange traffic barrel through participant observation. A group of dedicated prison biologists developed an elaborate system of camouflage that allowed them to move freely among orange barrel populations to study their development and interactions with other species. One of these studies also led to the discovery of the diminutive Ampulla conus icedcreamicus, now considered a delicacy in many human societies. | |||
| Although originally made of concrete, today's versions are more commonly brightly coloured ] or ] ]. ] ]s from bottles can be used to create modern traffic cones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.eb.com/eb/article-82494|title=Plastic|year=2010|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica Online|accessdate=25 February 2010|quote=PVC recovered from bottles may be used in traffic cones}}</ref> Not all traffic cones are conical. Pillar-shaped movable ]s fulfil a similar function. | |||
| editLife cycle | |||
| Traffic cones, like most members of the family Naranjeae, are highly territorial. Upon reaching this adolescent stage, the orange barrel sprouts develop their ability to move quickly across roadways without being seen. (Such locomotive abilities, though rare among plants in general, are relatively common among Constructa. Scientists attribute this to the widespread use of LSD.) Traffic cones take advantage of this skill to distance themselves from their parent barrels and develop their independence in societies of likeminded individuals. These "gangs" of traffic cones claim and defend segments of roadway, often resorting to violence. Though there have been documented cases of pedestrian impalement, cone-on-cone violence accounts for the majority of violent crimes and nearly all homicides committed by traffic cones. Cone-on-cone action is a favorite for Coneys, or those who find anthropomorphic images of traffic cones mating in the manner of humans erotically satisfying. | |||
| == Usage == | |||
| As traffic cones mature, they begin to engage in a process called "stacking", where they huddle together in warmth and safety in preparation for the dormant phase that immediately precedes their sexual maturation. During this phase, the cones gather and consume large amounts of scrap metal, loose change, philosophers, and other reflective items from the surrounding roadways. Traffic cones going through this phase have been known to consume up to 50 lbs of costume jewelry in a single day. They become highly self-conscious about the accompanying weight gain, concealing themselves in closets, warehouses, and other dark places (because everyone knows that black is slimming). In reaction to the darkness of their surroundings, the traffic cone begins to develop the tell-tale light that identifies a mature orange construction barrel. When this light is fully formed on top of the barrel at around lv. 32, it begins blinking, and the transformation from traffic cone to adult is complete. | |||
| === Traffic management === | |||
| editVariations | |||
| It is a well-known fact that traffic cones can have many variations in colors and patterns, sort of like cats. The most common is a plain orange, however they often appear yellow or red as well. Many cones have anywhere from two to four reflective white stripes around them, a more recent evolutionary adaptation. Scientists theorize that these stripes arose as a way to become more visible and less likely to be hit by cars. Some less common colors may even include, blue or green, and if you are lucky you will see the exceedingly rare albino traffic cone. Depending on genes and also the conditions of their habitat, cones can grow into varying shapes. They can become very tall and skinny or stay small for a long time. They will grow smaller or just skinnier if they have little space, a lot like bonsai plants. | |||
| Traffic cones are typically used outdoors during ] or other situations requiring traffic redirection or advance warning of hazards or dangers, or the prevention of traffic. Traffic cones are also used to mark where children are playing or to block off an area. | |||
| For night time use or low-light situations traffic cones are usually fitted with a retroreflective sleeve to increase visibility. On occasion, traffic cones may also be fitted with flashing lights for the same reason. | |||
| In the US, cones are required by the US Federal Highway Administration's '']'' (MUTCD) to be fitted with reflective white bands for night-time visibility. Reflective collars, white strips made from white reflective plastic, slip over cones snugly, and tape or adhesive can be used to attach the collars to the cones permanently. | |||
| Traffic cones are designed to be highly visible and easily movable. Various sizes are used, commonly ranging from around {{convert|30|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} to a little over {{convert|1|m|in|1|abbr=on}}. Traffic cones come in many different colors, with orange, yellow, pink, and red being the most common colors due to their ]. Others come in green and blue, and may also have a retroreflective strip to increase their visibility. | |||
| ==== Types and sizes ==== | |||
| ] | |||
| Typical traffic cones are fluorescent "safety" orange, as well as lime green. The traffic cones also commonly come with reflective striping around them, to increase visibility at night time. | |||
| In the United States they come in such sizes as: | |||
| * {{convert|12|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|1.5|lb|kg|abbr=on}} – for indoor/outdoor applications | |||
| * {{convert|18|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|3|lb|kg|abbr=on}} – for outdoor applications such as free-way line painting | |||
| * {{convert|28|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|7|lb|kg|abbr=on}} – for Non-highway applications e.g. Local street | |||
| * {{convert|28|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|10|lb|kg|abbr=on}} – for free-way/high-way applications (With reflective stripes) | |||
| * {{convert|36|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|10|lb|kg|abbr=on}} – for free-way/high-way applications (With reflective stripes) | |||
| === Other forms === | |||
| Cones are easy to move or remove. Where sturdier (and larger) markers are needed, construction sites use ] (plastic orange barrels with reflective stripes, normally about the same size as a {{convert|55|usgal|impgal L|0|lk=on}} ]), which may be weighted with ]s. When a lane closure must also be a physical barrier against cars accidentally crossing it, a ] is preferred. See also ]. | |||
| In many countries such as ] or American states such as ], traffic barrels are rarely seen. Devices called ]s are used instead of cones where larger and sturdier warning or delineation devices are needed. Typically, bollards are {{convert|1150|mm|in|abbr=on}} high fluorescent orange posts with reflective sleeve and heavy weight rubber bases. Larger devices such as ]s may be used instead of cones where larger areas need to be excluded or for longer periods. In Canada they are often referred to as pylons. | |||
| === Indoor and non traffic use === | |||
| Cones are also frequently used in indoor public spaces to mark off areas which are closed to pedestrians, such as a ] being out of order, or to denote a dangerous condition, such as a slippery floor. They can be used on school playgrounds to limit areas of a playing field, and on ice rinks to define class, private party, or private lesson areas. Some of the cones used for this purpose are miniature, as small as 5 cm tall, and some are disposable full size cones made of biodegradable paper. | |||
| Being distinctive, easily portable and usually left unguarded, traffic cones are often stolen. Students are ], to the extent that the British ] has attempted to play down this "outdated stereotype".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4640168.stm|title=Rowdy students 'must be tackled'|date=24 January 2006|work=]|accessdate=23 November 2010}}</ref> | |||
| The term "road cone" is also commonly used in the construction industry as a lighthearted insult. It is used to describe an individual who spends most of the day just standing still, making no attempt to get involved in the work they should be doing.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}} | |||
| == Traffic cones in popular culture == | |||
| In 2007 the artist ] commemorated the traffic cone with a monumental sculpture of five five-metre tall cones. They were installed temporarily in ],<ref>{{cite web |title=Scope Miami-2007 |url=http://joannemattera.blogspot.com/2007/12/fair-factor-art-miami.html |accessdate=2009-02-12}}</ref> Seattle's ],<ref>''Seattle Post-Intelligencer'', , May 29, 2008</ref> and ], ]. An orange cone is the ] used by ] (best known for its ] software). | |||
| ] group ] featured traffic cones on their ], as well as in their concerts at the time. | |||
| == See also == | |||
| {{Div col|=2}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| {{Div col end}} | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{Reflist}} | |||
| == External links == | |||
| {{commons category|Traffic cones}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * -- Many photos of traffic cones | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
Revision as of 00:26, 20 June 2013
“ Me and them go way back.” ~ Oscar Wilde on Traffic Cones Traffic Cone
Scientific Classification Kingdom: Constructa Division: Erectophyta Class: Megalopsida Order: Pillarformeales Family: Naranjeae Genus: Ampulla Species Ampulla conus traficus Ampulla conus icedcreamicus The traffic cone (Ampulla conus traficus) is the adolescent stage of the orange construction barrel, a fruiting plant that has become common in industrialized societies due to unique adaptations that allow it to thrive in the harsh conditions created by urbanization. The proliferation of roads in urban areas creates an inevitable build-up of decaying road material, the orange construction barrel's ideal habitat. Contents editClassification
The distinct shape of traffic cones initially led scientists to believe them to be a separate species from the orange construction barrel (Ampulla fabricatio barrelus), but similarities in color and habitat provided the first clues that the two might, indeed, be the same species. This suspicion was confirmed by a series of groundbreaking studies conducted in the early 1990s, where researchers were able to observe, for the first time, the total life cycle of the orange traffic barrel through participant observation. A group of dedicated prison biologists developed an elaborate system of camouflage that allowed them to move freely among orange barrel populations to study their development and interactions with other species. One of these studies also led to the discovery of the diminutive Ampulla conus icedcreamicus, now considered a delicacy in many human societies. editLife cycle
Traffic cones, like most members of the family Naranjeae, are highly territorial. Upon reaching this adolescent stage, the orange barrel sprouts develop their ability to move quickly across roadways without being seen. (Such locomotive abilities, though rare among plants in general, are relatively common among Constructa. Scientists attribute this to the widespread use of LSD.) Traffic cones take advantage of this skill to distance themselves from their parent barrels and develop their independence in societies of likeminded individuals. These "gangs" of traffic cones claim and defend segments of roadway, often resorting to violence. Though there have been documented cases of pedestrian impalement, cone-on-cone violence accounts for the majority of violent crimes and nearly all homicides committed by traffic cones. Cone-on-cone action is a favorite for Coneys, or those who find anthropomorphic images of traffic cones mating in the manner of humans erotically satisfying. As traffic cones mature, they begin to engage in a process called "stacking", where they huddle together in warmth and safety in preparation for the dormant phase that immediately precedes their sexual maturation. During this phase, the cones gather and consume large amounts of scrap metal, loose change, philosophers, and other reflective items from the surrounding roadways. Traffic cones going through this phase have been known to consume up to 50 lbs of costume jewelry in a single day. They become highly self-conscious about the accompanying weight gain, concealing themselves in closets, warehouses, and other dark places (because everyone knows that black is slimming). In reaction to the darkness of their surroundings, the traffic cone begins to develop the tell-tale light that identifies a mature orange construction barrel. When this light is fully formed on top of the barrel at around lv. 32, it begins blinking, and the transformation from traffic cone to adult is complete. editVariations
It is a well-known fact that traffic cones can have many variations in colors and patterns, sort of like cats. The most common is a plain orange, however they often appear yellow or red as well. Many cones have anywhere from two to four reflective white stripes around them, a more recent evolutionary adaptation. Scientists theorize that these stripes arose as a way to become more visible and less likely to be hit by cars. Some less common colors may even include, blue or green, and if you are lucky you will see the exceedingly rare albino traffic cone. Depending on genes and also the conditions of their habitat, cones can grow into varying shapes. They can become very tall and skinny or stay small for a long time. They will grow smaller or just skinnier if they have little space, a lot like bonsai plants.