Method and apparatus for relating measurements with comparable objects for the purpose of recording evidence

Abstract

The invention is a method and measuring device configured for measurement by comparing the an area of interest or object with an object of comparable size and/or shape. This invention may be most useful when recording and classifying evidence. The measuring device should be portable and comprised of a flat, straight elongated member with measuring indicia along one or both the measuring edges, wherein the measuring indicia corresponds with values with labels of the standard sizes of comparable objects. The measuring indicia extends along the length of the measuring edge and the labels indicate the closest sized object. Other measuring indicia along the length of the measuring edge may also correspond to standard measurement units. The method should directly correlate a measurement with a comparable object for the purpose of recording evidence.

Claims

1. A portable measuring device configured to aid in visual assessment, measurement and recording of an area with the dimensions of a comparable object comprising: a flat, straight elongated member with at least one measuring edge; and measuring indicia, extending along the length of the measuring device's edge, comprising values with labels corresponding to objects of a comparable size wherein said objects of comparable size comprise the following indicia: bb size, less than inch (less than 0.64 cm); pea-sized, in (0.64 cm); dime size, 7/10 inch (1.8 cm); penny size, inch (1.9 cm); nickel size, inch (2.2 cm); quarter size, 1 inch (2.5 cm); half dollar size, 1 inches (3.2 cm); golf ball size, 1 inch (4.4 cm); billiard ball size, 2 inches (5.4 cm); tennis ball size, 2 inches (6.4 cm); baseball size, 2 inches (7 cm); softball size, 3.8 inches (9.7 cm); and compact disc/DVD, 4 inches, (12.1 cm).

2. The measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said measuring device may additionally comprise a pivotally mounted second axis.

3. The measuring device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said measuring device may measure both length and width of an impacted surface as to determine angle of impact.

4. The measuring device as claimed in claim 1, further comprises an additional set of measuring indicia with corresponding labels referencing American units, metric (SI) units, or a combination thereof.

5. The measuring device as claimed in claim 1, where said measuring device is constructed from a transparent material.

6. The measuring device as claimed in claim 1, where said measuring device is constructed from a lightweight, rigid material or a non-rigid material.

7. The measuring device as claimed in claim 3, where said measuring device may exhibit meteorologic indicia, bullet caliber indicia, blood splatter indicia or fluid splatter indicia and/or traditional American and metric measurements.

8. A device for measuring areas of a surfaces impacted by an object or substance, the device comprising: an elongated member comprising at least one measuring edge with a finite length; and at least one set of measuring indicia extending along the length of said at least one measuring edge, comprising standard American units, Metric (SI) units, values with labels corresponding to objects of a comparable size, or a combination thereof; wherein said objects of comparable size comprise the following indicia: bb size, less than inch (less than 0.64 cm); pea-sized, in (0.64 cm); dime size, 7/10 inch (1.8 cm); penny size, inch (1.9 cm); nickel size, inch (2.2 cm); quarter size, 1 inch (2.5 cm); half dollar size, 1 inches (3.2 cm); golf ball size, 1 inch (4.4 cm); billiard ball size, 2 inches (5.4 cm); tennis ball size, 2 inches (6.4 cm); baseball size, 2 inches (7 cm); softball size, 3.8 inches (9.7 cm); and compact disc/DVD, 4 inches, (12.1 cm).

9. The device as claimed in claim 8, where said finite length is less than or equal to eight inches.

10. The device as claimed in claim 8, where said standard measuring indicia may be used for measuring and recording bullet caliber data or fluid spatter data.

11. The device as claimed in claim 8, where an additional said set of measuring indicia with corresponding labels located adjacent to and extending along a length of one said measuring edge also include American or metric units.

12. The device as claimed in claim 8, where said measuring device is constructed of a transparent material.

13. The measuring device as claimed in claim 12, where said measuring device is constructed from a rigid material.

14. The measuring device as claimed in claim 12, where said measuring device is constructed from a non-rigid material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an exemplary view of the forensic evidence measuring device used in the field for evidence collection and recordation purposes.

(2) FIG. 2A is a plan view of the forensic evidence measuring device comprising measuring indicia corresponding to standard hail or ice sizes.

(3) FIG. 2B is a plan view of the forensic evidence measuring device comprising measuring indicia corresponding to standard hail or ice sizes with the addition of American or Metric units also marked on the measuring device.

(4) FIG. 3A is a plan view of the forensic evidence measuring device comprising measuring indicia corresponding to standard bullet calibers.

(5) FIG. 3B is a plan view of the forensic evidence measuring device comprising measuring indicia corresponding to standard bullet calibers with the addition of American or Metric units also marked on the measuring device.

(6) FIG. 4 is a plan view of a forensic evidence measuring device with a pivotally connected attachment for measuring or determining degree of impact.

(7) FIG. 5 is an exemplary view of the method for measuring forensic evidence more directly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(8) For a thorough understanding of the present disclosure, reference is to be made to the following detailed description. Although the present disclosure is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is 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 without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Further, it will nevertheless be understood that no limitation in the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the figures and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure, as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, reference herein to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the appearances of such phrase at various places herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 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.

(9) The present disclosure provides a device and method for measurement by comparing an area of interest or object to a comparable object for the purpose of recording evidence. The present disclosure's tool and the method for using such tool allows measurers to more directly, accurately, and efficiently record evidence, particularly where there are few portable tools available to the measurer. An example of the use of proposed measuring device may be, an individual who runs out after a storm to assess the damage to his or her roof or car. Another example may be an insurance adjuster who has been asked to investigate the validity of an insurance claim who must infer the size of the hailstones and also the angle by measuring a variety of surfaces damaged by hail and record those measurements and sizes for evaluation. The last example given, though there may be many other instances where a surface is not struck, could be a law enforcement professional or crime scene technician who may determine the caliber of a bullet from an impacted surface for the purpose of recording or classifying the evidence for further investigation.

(10) Currently, measurers use a combination of visual approximations, memory, and a traditional measuring tape or ruler to later correlate measurements with an object or a classification category. As in the above examples, the classification and recording of these measurements could have great impact on other people and on investigations. Therefore, relying on measurements that are later classified, visual approximations, and memory might not only lead to inaccuracy in the measurement or the inference, but also inaccuracy in the classification of the evidence collected. In conclusion, there are many circumstances at which human error may distort the accuracy of the information measured and/or recorded. Therefore, a new tool or method that could eliminate some sources of error could allow for the more direct, efficient and accurate measurement.

(11) FIG. 1 depicts a pliable measuring device [100] next to an impacted area [105], where both are shown on the curved surface of a automotive [110]. The pliable measuring device [100] is shown to be of a portable size for ease of use in a field setting.

(12) FIG. 2A, illustrates a plan view of a evidence measuring device [200]. The evidence measuring device [100] has marks intermittently along one edge of the device [205a-205k] that correspond with common objects. The common objects correspond to standard objects used to classify forensic insurance evidence. The standard objects are those used in the forensic insurance industry to classify weather damage by hail or ice and are determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Table 1). For the portable, evidence measuring device [200], the marks corresponding to the standard objects [205-260] allows for additional ease of use for photographing or otherwise recording the evidence and also reduces errors in the field.

(13) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 (Reproduced from NOAA Website) Measurement Hailstone size In. cm. bb < <0.64 Pea 0.64 Dime 7/10 1.8 Penny 1.9 Nickel 2.2 Quarter 1 2.5 Half dollar 1 3.2 Golf ball 1 4.4 Billiard ball 2 5.4 Tennis ball 2 6.4 Baseball 2 7.0 Softball 3.8 9.7 Compact disc/DVD 4 12.1

(14) FIG. 2B depicts a plan view of an evidence measuring device [200]. The evidence measuring device [200] has marks intermittently along one edge of the device [205a-205k] that correspond with common objects. The common objects correspond to standard objects used to classify forensic insurance evidence. The standard objects are those used in the forensic insurance industry to classify weather damage by hail or ice and are determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Table 1). Additionally, the evidence measuring device [200] has markings at equally spaced intervals [210] that correspond with standard American or Metric units. For the portable, evidence measuring device [200], the marks corresponding to the standard objects [205a-205k] allows for additional ease of use for photographing or otherwise recording the evidence and also reduces errors in the field. Additionally, the addition of standard American or Metric units [210] allows for additional measurements to be made, if necessary, and increases versatility.

(15) FIG. 3A depicts a plan view of an evidence measuring device [300]. The evidence measuring device [300] has marks intermittently along one edge of the device [305a-305] that correspond with standard bullet calibers. The bullet calibers are standard in the industry and correspond to standard gun barrel sizes. These bullet calibers are used to classify forensic criminal evidence. Additionally, FIG. 3B depicts the evidence measuring device [300] has markings at equally spaced intervals [310] that correspond with standard American or Metric units. For the portable, evidence measuring device [300], the marks corresponding to the standard objects [305a-305] allows for additional ease of use for photographing or otherwise recording the evidence and also reduces errors in the field. Additionally, the addition of standard American or Metric units [310] allows for additional measurements to be made, if necessary, and increases versatility.

(16) FIG. 4A depicts an evidence measuring device [400] that may have been depicted in FIG. 3A, 3B, FIG. 2A, or 2B, with an additional pivotally connected second rectangular measuring attachment [405]. The second measuring attachment [405] has a measuring area made up of radial degrees arranged in a semi-circle [410] to additionally record potential angles of impact. FIG. 4B additionally depicts a chart [415] directly printed on the attachment [405] used to correlate the measured length and width of the area of impact with an angle of impact. The chart [415] is printed in an area and of a size that would not obscure any measuring indicia on the measuring device [400]. Alternatively, the angle of impact may be mathematically displayed in a graphical manner, such as a logarithmic scale. This additional information allows for more useful evidence for recording purposes and a more direct measurement of this information in the field.

(17) The measuring device of the present invention may be useful while recording evidence that cannot easily be collected. The evidence may be recorded for later classification or examination. The lightweight and hand-held structural dimensions may result in easy mobility, usage and storage. The device may be constructed using a rigid or non-rigid material and may be of a square or rectangular shape. In an embodiment, the device may be constructed of a transparent material to aid in measurement of an impacted surface by allowing a clear line of sight through the device to the surface or object to be measured.

(18) FIG. 5 depicts the steps that are taken for recording evidence in a more direct method with fewer opportunities for error. The first step is identifying the area of impact that should be recorded [S1]. The second step, once the area of impact is identified [S1], is to place a measuring device on or next to the area of impact [S2] for evidentiary purposes. Ideally, the measuring device would directly relate the area of impact with relevant information to the investigator. That relevant information may be standard comparable objects. The third step is to photograph or otherwise record the impacted area with the measuring device [S3]. Finally, the recorded evidence will be used as evidence in a forensic investigation [S4]. The recorded evidence may be used in a forensic investigation so that, insurance claims, extent of damage, or other information can be inferred from the impacted area. In criminal investigations, the evidence recorded may be used to assess the weapons used or to infer relevant information about the crime which took place. The use of a measuring device which directly relates the impacted area height, width, or diameter with standards used in the industry reduce the errors in the field.

(19) While embodiments of this disclosure have been depicted and described and are defined by reference to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, such references do not imply a limitation on the disclosure, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the pertinent art and having the benefit of this disclosure. The depicted and described embodiments of this disclosure are examples only, and not exhaustive of the scope of the disclosure. For example, some alternative embodiments have been suggested to exemplify the versatility of the present disclosure but others may also be contemplated.

(20) Preferred embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor. Of course, variations of those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.