December, 12 1940

While working as a street painter for the city of Los Angeles, Charles D. Scanlon designed a hollow, conical market to keep cars from driving over wet paint.

Invented by Charles D. Scanlon the traffic safety cone was characterized by the distinctive cone shape and alternating orange and white stripes, which were intended to maximize visibility and safety on the road during construction zones.
The patent played a pivotal role in standardizing the design of traffic safety cones used around the world today. These cones are recognized for their high visibility, durability, and effectiveness in maintaining road safety.
The patent emphasized the importance of this safety marker in guiding and diverting traffic, reducing accidents, and protecting both drivers and workers on the road during construction or maintenance activities.
The design outlined in Scanlon’s patent became the standard for traffic cones not only in the United States but also in many other countries, contributing to global road safety efforts.