Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 62/357,560 filed Jul. 1, 2016. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention discloses an evidence enclosure for supporting a limb, typically belonging to a deceased suspect or criminal, and which can include a forearm and hand providing DNA or fingerprint evidence such as may be associated with a criminal proceeding. The limb enclosure provides stand-offs for spacing above a ground surface, as well as circumferential extending and adjustable attachments at one end for securing about an end location of the decedent&#39;s limb (e.g. elbow and/or forearm). A fabric covering with an open inserting and drawstring closing end is provided for sealing the limb once inserted axially within the evidence enclosure in a direction towards its closed opposite end. 
       Description of the Prior Art 
       [0003]    The prior art is documented with examples of remains transport devices and enclosures, the most typical of which is the standard zippered body bag. For purposes of DNA retention and evidence gathering, such as at a crime scene, conventional bags are unsuitable for retention of human remains (and in particular a decedent&#39;s limbs which may include evidentiary valuable DNA or the like) in such a manner which the DNA and evidentiary integrity of the remains/limbs are preserved. 
         [0004]    Other examples from the prior art include the gas-tight, liquid-impervious, transportable contaminated remains pouch of Carroll U.S. Pat. No. 7,484,275, the body bag of Smith U.S. Pat. No. 8,869,360 and the contaminated human remains pouch of Green U.S. Pat. No. 8,966,727. Additional references of note include the crime-scene body bag of U.S. Pat. No. 8,991,019 to Calvert, the closable container of Richardson US 2014/0259577 for holding human remains and including a filtration unit and the body bag with absorbent lining disclosed in US 2013/0174392 of Chua et al. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention discloses an evidence retaining enclosure for receiving a limb for purposes of retaining DNA evidence and the like and includes an elongated body having a first open end and a second closed end, with the limb adapted to being inserted into the open end such that an end thereof is retained in proximity to the closed end. At least one pair of circumferential extending straps are associated with the open end for sizing about a projecting dimension of the limb, the straps being inter-engaged in order to secure the enclosure in place. 
         [0006]    The body further includes first and second telescoping portions, the first portion integrating the closed end and the second portion integrating the circumferential straps. Axial fixing straps extending between the first and second telescoping portions for fixing an inter-telescoping relationship established therebetween. Additional features include comprising circumferential rim extending stand-offs associated with each of the first and second telescoping portions. 
         [0007]    An elongated and sleeve shaped fabric is attached to the enclosure at a first end and is adapted to be extended in order to cover a portion of the limb extending from the enclosure, a drawstring at the end of the fabric tightening to enclose around the limb. Each of the circumferential extending straps and the axial extending fixing straps may further include peel away adhesive undersides. The body further can also include a Kraft paper or corrugated paperboard construction and can also exhibit a polygonal cross sectional profile. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the forensic limb enclosure according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present inventions and in which the open interior and fabric drawstring is positioned upon an exterior circumferential supporting location of the elongated and length adjustable enclosure body, the pluralities of circumferential integrated and extending adjustable strap attachments also being shown and which are adapted to adjust to a secure holding circumference of the decedent&#39;s forearm or the like during axial insertion of the hand toward the closed interior end of the enclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a rotated end view of the forensic limb/hand enclosure of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the enclosure and depicting the partial insertion of a limb into the open end thereof with drawstring extended over, the enclosure further exhibiting the axial length inter-adjustability provided by the telescoping nature of first and second inter-displaceable portions, additional fixing tabs being shown for fixing the enclosure in a desired length extended configuration corresponding to the dimensions of the limb being inserted therein; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 4-7  present a series of progressive installation illustrations of the limb enclosure for receiving and enclosing a (severed) limb in DNA safeguarding fashion; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 8-10  are a series of schematic views of the blank constructions associated with the limb (forearm/hand) enclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 11  is an illustration of an alternate form of stand off spacer or rim attachment defining a separate assembly and secured to a main body portion via a hook and loop band attachment; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 12  is a blank illustration of the stand off attachment of  FIG. 11 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    With referenced to the attached illustrations, the present invention discloses an evidence enclosure for supporting a limb, typically belonging to a deceased suspect or criminal, and which can include a forearm and hand providing DNA or fingerprint evidence such as may be associated with a criminal proceeding, one aspect of the enclosure being not only to protect the evidence from contamination but to also protect the same from falling off or being otherwise dislodged from the hand. As will be further described, the limb enclosure provides stand-offs for spacing above a ground surface, as well as circumferential extending and adjustable attachments at one end for securing about an end location of the decedent&#39;s limb (e.g. elbow and/or forearm). As will also be described, the fabric covering with an open inserting and drawstring closing end is provided for sealing the limb once inserted axially within the evidence enclosure in a direction towards its closed opposite end. 
         [0017]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the forensic limb enclosure is generally depicted at  10  according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present inventions. The enclosure defines a body with a first portion  12  and a second portion  14 , each being constructed of a closed tubular configuration (defined as any circular or polygonal shaped portion not limited to a hexagonal cross sectional configuration as shown) and having a specified axial length. The first portion  12  is open at a forward inserting end (such as for receiving a detached hand and forearm limb associated with a crime scene) with the second inter-engaged portion  14  exhibiting an opposite closed end  16 . 
         [0018]    In one non-limiting application, the body is constructed of a rigid paperboard, such as which can be internally lined with a Kraft paper. As is further known, Kraft paper or paperboard (cardboard) is produced from chemical pulp produced in the Kraft process, which is a process for conversion of wood into wood pulp, which consists of almost pure cellulose fibers, the main component of paper. In this fashion, the bags are breathable as needed to avoid premature contamination of the organic and other DNA evidence contained therein, such including protection from any of air, moisture, dust and dirt. Other non-limiting variants may include constructing the expandable body from a plasticized or plastic composite material (such including a sanitary plastic) and which can be interiorly lined with Kraft paper material. 
         [0019]    As further best shown in  FIG. 3 , the respective cross sectional profiles of the portions  12  and  14  are dimensioned with slight variances (with the first portion  12  being slightly greater in diameter for slidably receiving a forward inserting perimeter profile of the second portion  14 ) and so that the second portion can frictionally slide in bi-directional fashion (see arrow  18 ) both in and out of an interface boundary  20  between the overlapping telescoping portions  12 / 14 . The range of axial telescoping adjustment is limited by the amount of overlap between the inserted perimeter of the second portion  14  and the outer receiving perimeter  12  of the first portion  12 . 
         [0020]    A plurality of axial extending length fixing straps  22 ,  24 , et seq. are provided which extend from the first body portion  12  in overlapping fashion across the interface line  20  and in surface contact with the exterior of the second portion  14 . The straps  22 ,  24 , such as which can also include a paperboard material, also include inner surface peel away strips which reveal adhesive locations, see in underside hidden phantom representation at  26  in  FIG. 3 . In this fashion, and upon the telescoping portions  12  and  14  being inter-adjusted to a desired overall length corresponding to that necessary to receive the DNA containing hand/forearm, the underside peel away strips (not shown) are removed and the straps secured in place to establish a desired overall length of the portions  12 / 14  and to prevent subsequent inter-displacement between the portions  12 / 14 . 
         [0021]    Additional features include the provision of perimeter stand-off rims/flanges  28  and  30  associated with each of the telescoping portions  12  and  14 , the stand-off flanges spacing the main telescoping bodies  12 / 14  above a ground surface or the like upon which the enclosure can be supported, such as during the evidence gathering/storage protocol. As will be described in further detail, the stand-off rims or flanges  28 / 30  can be either permanently affixed to the telescoping portions (such as integrated into the assembled blanks) or can be separately attached by any of adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, tab and slot configurations or the like. 
         [0022]    An open interior and elongated fabric  32  (e.g. such as having a sleeve shape) is provided with a drawstring and defines an elongated shape with first and second open ends, a first of which is illustrated in supported fashion upon the first telescoping portion  12 , and against an inside surface of the associated extending standoff rim  28 . The fabric  32  with end positioned tightening drawstring (see at  33  in  FIG. 3 ) includes an elongated body and, prior to inserting the hand and forearm (see at  2 ) into the open end of the enclosure, is positioned upon an exterior circumferential supporting location of the elongated and length adjustable enclosure body. 
         [0023]    Also shown are pluralities of circumferential integrated and extending adjustable strap attachments, see at  34 / 36  and  38 / 40  in each of  FIGS. 1-2 , which extend from the inner opposing end of the first enclosure portion  12  (see also base portion defined by the pair of indicated and interconnected hex panels  42 / 44  from which the pairs of strap attachments extend in opposing and circumferentially encircling fashion). Inner surfaces of a selected one of the pairs of width adjustable attachments (see at  46  and  48  as indicated in  FIG. 1 ) can also include adhesives, such as which can be accessed through the use of additional peel-away strips, and to that, upon inserting the hand and lower forearm into the length adjusted enclosure, the pairs of circumferential straps are adjusted to securely fasten the enclosure to the location of the (upper) forearm projecting from its upper open end. 
         [0024]    As further depicted in the side view of  FIG. 3 , insertion of the limb  2  into the open end thereof of the enclosure is succeeded by the extension of the drawstring extended over the limb (such as further may be removed from the body of a victim or suspect or which may remain attached to the decedent). At this point, the encased limb is transported to a crime or DNA lab or the like, prior to removal and in order to process the evidence in a secure environment. 
         [0025]    With further reference to  FIGS. 4-7 , presented are a series of progressive installation illustrations of the limb enclosure for receiving and enclosing a (severed) limb in DNA safeguarding fashion, such according to one non-limiting protocol for receiving, closing and tagging an evidence entrained limb in DNA protecting fashion.  FIGS. 8-10  further provide a series of schematic views of the blank constructions associated with the limb (forearm/hand) enclosure and pertaining to the first  12  and second  14  individual portions prior to configured assembly in the manner shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0026]    This includes a cutaway plan view of an assembled blank in  FIG. 8  depicting each of cut  50  and crease  52  lines associated with either of the main inter-telescoping sections and according to one non-limiting arrangement. Also depicted are a pair of unfolded blank views corresponding to the unfolded first portion  12  ( FIG. 9 ) and second portion  14  ( FIG. 10 ), each of these depicting the multiple and inter-foldable panels which collectively define the hex polygonal or other desired cross sectional shape of each inter-fitting telescoping portion. Without limitation, the stand off rims or spacers  28  and  30  can also be provided as separate slide-on or adhesively attachable portions (see as described below with reference to  FIGS. 11-12 ). 
         [0027]    Additional features include the evidence enclosures being pre-printed with informational fields necessary for proper evidence submission to all crime laboratories, including such as a chain of custody section. Other variants of the limb receiving evidence enclosure can include the body being reconfigured to provide a single elongated and tubular receiving portion as opposed to having first  12  and second  14  inter-telescoping portions. 
         [0028]    This can also include providing the enclosure as a single unitary and elongated body with such as additional breakaway portions or reducing its overall length (such contemplating length reducing perforations in circumferentially spaced iterations at its remote end, such which can remain open until appropriately length sized and prior to receiving a separately attachable end cap. The evidence enclosure can further be reconfigured for receiving other types of limbs (including legs, feet etc.) in additional envisioned variants. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , an illustration is shown of an alternate form of stand off spacer or rim attachment, see pair at  54  and  56 , each of which defining a separate assembly secured to each of the telescoping main body portions  12  and  14 , such as via hook and loop band attachments  58  and  60 . As further depicted in the  FIG. 12 , a blank illustration is provided of selected stand off attachment  54  of  FIG. 11  and which includes a plurality of inter-folding panels which assemble to create a cradling three sided cross sectional support profile. 
         [0030]    The panels further assemble to provide each attachable stand-off spacer with inner and outer linearly spaced ledges (these shown at  58  and  60  for selected spacer attachment  54  in  FIG. 11  and further including opposite pairs of inter-folding panels  58 / 60  and  58 ′/ 60 ′ in  FIG. 12 ). As further shown in  FIG. 12 , the blank construction of the spacer attachment further includes tabs  62 / 64  and slots  66 / 68  for inter-assembling the pairs of support ledges  58 / 60  and  58 ′/ 60 ′, as well as a pair of fold-in supports  70  and  72  which interconnect to ends of a common base panel  74  also supporting the stand off ledges. Without limitation, the present design includes any version of a stand-off spacer configuration (permanent or attachable) beyond that shown. 
         [0031]    The present invention accordingly provides an effective forensic style glove or covering which elevates the DNA or evidence contaminated limb (such as also including gunshot residue or the like) to allow for securing key evidence up off of the ground and out of any of debris, dirt, mud, snow rain or other foreign contaminants (the draw sting attachment extending over the forearm providing additional contamination prevention support). An additional feature of the assembly is that it permits the removal of the stand-off attachments as shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , such as in order to permit the assembly  10  to be placed within a body bag along with the remainder of the corpse. 
         [0032]    Additional to the paperboard and Kraft paper constructions previously described, it is again understood that the contamination preventative and limb support assembly can also be stored prior to use in any type of rigid or flexible sanitary container, such being enabled for rapid deployment in the field. The main body portions of the forensic enclosure can further include any type of fabric (cotton) or other interior lining to further assist in capturing, containing, preserving and protecting the evidence, thereby maintaining its integrity for use at trial. 
         [0033]    Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims:

Technology Category: a