METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESERVATION OF A CRIME SCENE

Abstract

A platform for preservation of a crime scene is provided. The apparatus comprises a modular base with foot pegs. The foot pegs may be telescopic to allow for adaptation to any crime scene. The foot pegs are configured to have minimal footprint on the crime scene. The modular base is couplable to one or more modular bases, one or more stair adapters and to one or more optional components such as equipment platform and a workstation. The platform is portable and configured to be assembled at the crime scene.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/961,188, filed on Oct. 7, 2013, specification of which is herein incorporated by reference for completeness of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to the field of law enforcement. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, one or more embodiments of the invention enable a platform for preservation of a crime scene.

2. Description of the Related Art

Previous methods that are used to support the preservation of crime scenes include generic “DO NOT CROSS” barrier tape used to cordon off the general area of interest, while this does pose a simple barrier it can be bypassed by walking under or around the taped off area.

Other methods and apparatuses used to prevent the disturbance of a crime scene include disposable shoe coverings, while these minimally prevent external debris from being introduced into the crime scene, shoe coverings can allow the possibility of cross contamination of evidence from one area to another as an investigator moves around the crime scene.

To overcome the problems and limitations described above there is a need for an apparatus and methods that ensures a physical barrier between the investigator and any crime scene evidence that cannot be bypassed and will keep the investigators above the area of investigation and will ensure that cross contamination of the crime scene is minimized.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus and method for preservation of a crime scene is provided. One or more embodiments of the present invention is a portable and modular platform system with foot pegs configured to be laid out over a crime scene, e.g. by Law enforcement personnel, thus reducing the chance of cross contamination of forensic evidence during the course of a crime scene investigation. During the investigation of a crime scene, the platform may be laid out by installing the tubular legs to the underside of the platform to the desired height that will allow the platform to clear any debris or items that are to be considered part of the crime scene. The tubular legs (or foot pegs) may be telescopic to allow for adaptation to any crime scene. The foot pegs are configured to have minimal footprint on the crime scene. The system is modular such that a platform piece with the correct leg height is laid down and a next platform piece can be coupled with the previous platform, and so on, and as needed to provide coverage for the crime scene. The components of the crime scene preservation platform may be made from ferrous and nonferrous metals, composites, woods and any types of plastics.

In one or more embodiments, the modular base is couplable to one or more other modular bases, one or more stair adapters and to one or more optional components such as equipment platform and a workstation. The modular base is configured with one or more external tabs on at least one side and one or more coupling slots on at least one side, preferably on sides without tabs. However, coupling slots and tabs may be included on the same side. Thus, for instance, a side of the base platform may include either or both a coupling slot and an external tab.

In one or more embodiments, each leg is configured to minimize footprint on the crime scene. Thus, for instance, a leg could be configured to taper to a needle-point at the contact point with the crime scene.

In one or more embodiments, the modular base is configured to be couplable to one or more stair adapters. The stair adapter is preferably configured to fit over a stair and couple to either a modular base or a second stair adapter on either side. Thus, a stair adapter may include one or more external tabs on one side and configured with slots for one or more stair pegs configured for the height of the stair. The stair peg may also be telescopic to allow for adjustment for different size stairs.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the modular base may also be couplable to one or more workstations. The workstation is preferably configured to couple to the base using one or more of the coupling slots and above the modular base.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the modular base may also be couplable to one or more equipment platforms. The equipment platform is preferably configured to couple to the base using one or more of the coupling slots. The equipment platform is also preferably modular and configured with legs similar to or same as that of the modular base. The equipment platform includes one or more external tabs and/or one or more coupling slots on one or more sides. And as with the modular base, each side may include either or both a coupling slot and an external tab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a comprehensive Crime scene preservation platform with optional accessories in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a base platform of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a top isometric and exploded view of the basic crime preservation platform components in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a bottom isometric and exploded view of the basic crime preservation platform components in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a base of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a stair adapter of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a foot peg of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a stair adapter peg of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an adapter plug of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a stair adapter plug of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an optional workstation attachment of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the workstation desktop in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the reversible work station support in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an optional equipment platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the equipment platform base in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the equipment platform desktop in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the extended round foot peg of the equipment platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An apparatus and method for preservation of a crime scene during crime-scene investigation will now be described. In the following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. Furthermore, although steps or processes are set forth in an exemplary order to provide an understanding of one or more systems and methods, the exemplary order is not meant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the steps or processes may be performed in a different order, and that one or more steps or processes may be performed simultaneously or in multiple process flows without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. In other instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention.

For a better understanding of the disclosed embodiment, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation.

The term “first”, ‘second” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

One or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a portable and modular platform system that can be laid out over a crime scene, e.g. by Law enforcement personnel, thus reducing the chance of cross contamination of forensic evidence during the course of a crime scene investigation. During the investigation of a crime scene, the platform may be laid out by installing the tubular legs to the underside of the platform to the desired height that will allow the platform to clear any debris or items that are to be considered part of the crime scene. The system is modular such that a platform piece with the correct leg height is laid down and a next platform piece can be coupled with the previous platform, and so on, and as needed to provide coverage for the crime scene. The components of the crime scene preservation platform may be made from ferrous and nonferrous metals, composites, woods and any types of plastics. In a preferred embodiment, the components of the platform of the present invention are made from high strength resin.

A detailed description of the specific components and optional components of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will be described using the illustrations of FIGS. 1 to 16.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a comprehensive Crime scene preservation platform with optional components in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the comprehensive crime scene preservation platform includes a base platform 200, a workstation platform 1000 and an equipment platform 1300.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a base platform 200 of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, base platform 200 is fully assembled, with extensions, over a generic crime scene 18. Base platform 200 includes one or more base 10 with foot pegs 12. Base 10 is configured to be couplable to one or more other base 10, as needed to cover the crime scene 18. Base 10 is further couplable to one or more staircase adapters 16. Staircase adapter 16 is preferably used to extend the base platform over stair cases in the crime scene, e.g. 18.

Crime scene preservation platform 200 may comprise one or more base 10 assembled to allow access to the crime scene while preventing or minimizing cross contamination as law enforcement continues to access the area during an investigation. As illustrated, a plurality of foot peg 12 is installed into foot slot 40 at the bottom of base 10 to separate the platform from the ground of the generic crime scene (e.g. outdoor sidewalk with stairs) 18. Foot peg 12 may be round, square or any suitable configuration. In the preferred embodiment, each base 10 has six foot slots. However, those of skill in the art would appreciate that base 10 could be configured with more or less foot slots. For example, base 10 could have only four foot slots or eight foot slots.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a foot peg 12 of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Foot peg 12 is configured such that its proximal end 64 fits into foot slot 40 while distal end 62 is configured to contact the ground of the crime scene 18. As illustrated, the cross-sectional area of the distal end 62 is configured to minimize the footprint the foot peg makes with the crime scene. For instance, distal end 62 may be configured with a pointed tip. Also, foot peg 12 is preferably adjustable. For instance, foot peg 12 may be telescopic for easy adaptation to the contour of the crime scene.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of modular platform base 10 of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the modular platform base 10 is preferably rectangular in shape and configured with one or more external tab 46 on one side and one or more coupling slot 48 on an opposing side. Additionally, one or more coupling slot 48 may be included on one or more of the remaining sides of base 10, as illustrated. External tab 46 is preferably T-shaped with the top of the T farther from the side of the base, i.e. protruding externally from a side wall with top of the T-shaped tab farther away from the side wall. In a preferred embodiment, coupling slot 48 is configured to couple snugly with external tab 46 of a second base 10 and other optional components, e.g. stair adapter 16, workstation 1000 and equipment platform 1300. Thus, coupling slot 48 is preferably T-shaped with the top of the T farther inside from the side of base 10, i.e. displaced internally from a side wall inside base 10 with top of the T-shaped slot farther from the side wall. Additionally, tab 46 and coupling slot 48 are preferably less than the full height of base 10. When assembled, platform adapter plug 20 (FIG. 8) may be used to plug up any unused coupling slot 48.

Modular platform base 10 may also include one or more stair peg slot 42. Stair peg slot 42 is preferably configured to snugly fit stair adapter peg 14. In a preferred embodiment, stair adapter peg 14 is square in cross section. However, those of skill in the art would appreciate that stair adapter peg 14 can be configured into any suitable shape. For instance, stair adapter peg 14 could have a round cross-section and also be telescopic.

Stair adapter peg 14 is configured to be installed between and couple platform base 10 and stair adapter 16. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a stair adapter 16 of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, stair adapter 16 includes one or more external tab 46 on one side (preferably front side) and one or more stair peg slot 42 on both the bottom side and top side of stair adapter 16. Preferably, stair adapter includes one or more stair peg slot 42 on the front end of the top side and one or more stair peg slot 42 towards the back end of the bottom side. Thus, stair adapter 16 includes one or more stair peg slot 42 on opposing ends of its top and bottom surfaces. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, stair adapter 16 further includes one or more foot slot 40 at the front end of its bottom side.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a first stair adapter 16 is configured to be installed above each stair and coupled using one or more stair adapter peg 14 to either a second stair adapter 16 (FIG. 2) to allow for transition to the next stair above or base 10 at the top of a stair case by locking its matching tab 46 into corresponding coupling slot 48 on the base 10 at the top of a stair case. As further illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, stair adapter 16 is configured to be coupled to base 10 at the bottom of the stair case using one or more stair adapter peg 14. As the drawings illustrate, both base 10 and stir adapter 16 have corresponding ones of at least one stair peg slot 42.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are isometric and exploded views of the basic crime preservation platform components in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, base platform 300 includes rectangular base 10 with six round foot pegs 12 in a vertical orientation under the bottom of base 10, the stair adapter 16 is placed in a horizontal orientation above the base 10, and two square stair adapter peg 14 in a vertical orientation between the base 10 and the stair adapter 16. In a single stair configuration, two round foot pegs 12 (not shown) are installed in a vertical orientation under the bottom of stair adapter 16. Those of skill in the art would appreciate that the number and shapes of foot pegs and stair adapter pegs used in this illustration are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

After installation basic crime preservation platform 300 and 350, adapter plugs 20 and 22 may be used to plug up unused slots in base 10 and stair adapter 16. Optional components may also be coupled to base platform 200. For instance, workstation 1000 and equipment platform 1300 may be coupled to base platform 200.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of optional workstation 1000 of the crime scene preservation platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, workstation comprises desktop 26 and one or more legs 28. Leg 28 is configured to couple to coupling slot 48 on base 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In one or more embodiments, leg 48 may be configured to fit any other slot on base 10. Workstation 1000 provides a platform on which an investigation can place his/her notebooks, tablets, etc. without contaminating the crime scene.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an optional equipment platform 1300 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, equipment platform 1300 comprises equipment desktop 32, equipment base 30, one or more extended foot pegs 28 and one or more foot pegs 12. Equipment platform 1300 may be coupled to base platform 200 in a horizontal orientation as illustrated in FIG. 1. Equipment desktop 32 is coupled to one or more (preferably four) extended foot pegs 28 in a vertical orientation, such that extended foot pegs 28 are mounted through slots 54 in equipment base 30 as shown in FIG. 13. The one or more extended foot pegs 28 is coupled to equipment desktop 32 in a horizontal orientation using mounting holes (not shown) in the underside of the equipment platform 32. Extended foot peg 28 may be of any desired cross-section. In the preferred embodiment, e.g. FIG. 16, extended foot peg 28 is round in cross-section. As discussed with respect to foot peg 12, the cross-sectional area of the distal end (i.e. end that comes in contact with the ground) of extended foot peg 28 may be configured to minimize its footprint on the crime scene, in configurations where it is designed to come in contact with the crime scene.

One or more (preferably Six) round foot pegs 12 may also be coupled to the bottom of the equipment base 30 for mounting on the ground of crime scene 18. Those of skill in the art would appreciate that other configurations are possible for optional platform equipment 1300.

For instance, equipment desktop 32 and equipment base 30 may be combined into one component. In such configuration, extended round foot pegs 28 may not be necessary.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the equipment platform base 30 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the equipment platform base 30 is preferably rectangular in shape and configured with one or more external tab 46 on one side and one or more coupling slot 48 on an opposing side. Additionally, one or more coupling slot 48 may be included on one or more of the remaining sides of equipment platform base 30, as illustrated. As discussed previously, coupling slot 48 is configured to couple snugly with external tab 46 of a base 10 or other equipment platform 1300. Platform adapter plug 20 (FIG. 8) may be used to plug up any unused coupling slot 48.

Equipment platform base 30 may also include one or more internal slots 54 configured to fit extended foot peg 28. In one or more embodiments, internal slot 54 could be a pass-through, e.g. an orifice, for extended foot peg 28. In other embodiments, internal slot 54 could be configured as a groove to receive extended foot peg 28.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the equipment platform desktop 32 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the equipment platform desktop 32 is preferably rectangular in shape and configured with one or more external tab 46 on one side and one or more coupling slot 48 on an opposing side. Additionally, one or more coupling slot 48 may be included on one or more of the remaining sides of equipment platform desktop 32, as illustrated. As discussed previously, coupling slot 48 is configured to couple snugly with external tab 46 of a base 10 or other equipment platform 1300. Platform adapter plug 20 (FIG. 8) may be used to plug up any unused coupling slot 48.

Equipment platform desktop 32 may also include one or more extended foot slots 56 (shown in dashed lines) on its bottom side configured to fit extended foot peg 28.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for preservation of a crime scene comprising:

a platform base configured with at least one external tab and at least one coupling slot;

a first set of plurality of legs removably coupled to a bottom side of said platform base, wherein each of said plurality of legs is configured to impart minimal footprint on a crime scene; and

a stair adapter configured to couple to said platform base and to a second stair adapter, wherein said stair adapter is configured to fit over a stair in said crime scene.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said platform base is rectangular, said at least one external tab is on a first side of said platform base and said at least one coupling slot is on opposing side to said first side.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said platform base is rectangular, said at least one external tab is on a first side of said platform base and said at least one coupling slot is on remaining three sides of said platform base.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said platform base is rectangular, and at least one side of said rectangle comprises said at least one external tab and said at least one coupling slot.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said at least one external tab and said at least one coupling slot is T-shaped, wherein an external tab is configured to fit snugly into a coupling slot.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a workstation couplable to said platform base.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an equipment platform couplable to said platform base.

8. An apparatus for preservation of a crime scene comprising:

a rectangular platform base configured with a plurality of external tabs and a plurality of coupling slots on one or more sides of said rectangular platform base, wherein each of said plurality of external tabs is T-shaped and protruding externally from a side wall with top of said T-shaped tab farther away from said side wall, and wherein each of said plurality of coupling slots is T-shaped and displaced internally from a side wall inside said rectangular platform with top of said T-shaped slot farther inside from said side wall;

a first set of plurality of legs removably coupled to a bottom side of said platform base, wherein each of said plurality of legs is configured to impart minimal footprint on a crime scene; and

a stair adapter configured to couple to said platform base and to a second stair adapter, wherein said stair adapter is configured to fit over a stair in said crime scene.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said plurality of external tabs is on a first side of said platform base and said plurality of coupling slots is on an second side of said platform base.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein plurality of externals tab is on a first side of said platform base and said plurality of coupling slots is on remaining three sides of said platform base.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one side of said rectangular platform base comprises at least one of said plurality of external tabs and at least one of said plurality of coupling slots.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said plurality of external tabs and said plurality of coupling slots are T-shaped, wherein an external tab is configured to fit snugly into a coupling slot.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a workstation couplable to said platform base.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an equipment platform couplable to said platform base.

15. An apparatus for preservation of a crime scene comprising:

a rectangular platform base configured with a plurality of external tabs and a plurality of coupling slots on one or more sides of said rectangular platform base, wherein each of said plurality of external tabs is T-shaped and protruding externally from a side wall with top of said T-shaped tab farther away from said side wall, and wherein each of said plurality of coupling slots is T-shaped and displaced internally from a side wall inside said rectangular platform with top of said T-shaped slot farther inside from said side wall;

a first set of plurality of legs removably coupled to a bottom side of said platform base, wherein each of said plurality of legs is configured to impart minimal footprint on a crime scene; and

a rectangular stair adapter configured to couple to said platform base and to a second stair adapter, said rectangular stair adapter configured with a second plurality of external tabs on one side wall of said rectangular stair adapter, wherein each of said plurality of external tabs is T-shaped and protruding externally from said side wall with top of said T-shaped tab farther away from said side wall, wherein said first plurality of external tabs and said second plurality of external tabs are of similar shape, and wherein said stair adapter is configured to fit over a stair in said crime scene.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said plurality of external tabs is on a first side of said platform base and said plurality of coupling slots is on an second side of said platform base.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein plurality of externals tab is on a first side of said platform base and said plurality of coupling slots is on remaining three sides of said platform base.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one side of said rectangular platform base comprises at least one of said plurality of external tabs and at least one of said plurality of coupling slots.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein each of said plurality of external tabs and said plurality of coupling slots are T-shaped, wherein an external tab is configured to fit snugly into a coupling slot.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said platform base is configured to be couplable with a workstation and an equipment platform.