GB2478017A - Needle for tattoo machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for tattooing comprising, a needle 1, housing 4, and a runner 2, wherein the runner may be integral or clipped to the needle 1, and enables the needle 1 to run longitudinally along the housing 4. The runner 2 negates the need for an elastic band.

Description

page 1 Tattoo device This invention relates to tattoo devices There are many different types of tattoo machine (rotaries,coil,neuma e.t.c)but most have one thing in common and that is the use of an elastic/rubber band as shown an example of the set up of a known device a coil machine shown in figi and later a blown up version fig 2 and fig 3 the grip tip and tube showing how the elastic band secures the needle bar, this method is used on most if not all known tattoo devices/machines.

As a tattoo artist refer to fig 13 when an elastic/rubber band is used on a operating tattoo machine there are quite a few issues, one being that the use of an elastic band creates downward force on the needle bar refer to fig 4 creating a curve in it and stopping it running 100% true, this then causes the tattoo machine to have to work harder than it should,causing a shorter life span on the tattoo components and also makes it run less efficient.

One of the real downfalls of using an elastic band is the health and safety aspect,the needle bar is driven back and forth pushing ink into the skin,this ink and with it the possibilities of blood Bourne contamination enters the tip grip tube refer to fig2and 3 this then hits the movement of the elastic/rubber band and becomes airborne and aids in cross contamination,it is now practice with the London health authority to change elastic/rubber band after 1 use Tt is the object of this invention to ameliorate most if not all of the side effects stated above by eradicating the use of an elastic/rubber band in conjunction with the tattooing process creating a more efficient safe tattoo machine but without changing the preferred choice of tattoo machine or needles for the tattoo artist.

According to the invention there is provided a tattoo device comprising of a clip on attachment refer to fig 5/6 that clips on to a needle bar refer to fig4 or a pre built needle bar refer to fig8 that runs inside grip tip and tube refer to fig 10.

Advantageously eradicating the use of an elastic band,but without having to change choice of tattoo machine.

Conveniently acting as a guide for the tattoo needle bar refer to fig 10 creating a more central needle bar position.

Advantageously greatly reducing the area in between the needle bar and back stem shown in figi 1 and 12 and in doing so reducing the risk of blood borne pathogens and ink from the rear of the tube.

Advantageously easing the work load of tattoo machine and increasing it's longevity. page2

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by references to the figures in which Fig 1 Shows an example of a prior art tattoo machine assembled to give an idea of how an elastic/rubber band is used in conjunction with a tattoo machine the example shown is a coil machine although there are many others(rotary,neuma e.t.c)that all use an elastic/rubber band.

Fig2 Shows a blown up version of a grip tip and tube sometimes referred to as a back stem shown in figi numbers 2,3,4.

Fig3 Shows the same as fig2 but with all parts exposed.

Fig4 Shows as standard prior art needle bar and could have many different configurations of needles soldered to the end.

Fig5 Shows the invention in a clip on attachment form.

Fig6 Shows the end section of fig5.

Fig7 Shows invention fig5 attached to needle bar as in fig4.

Fig8 Shows an alternative to fig4and fig5 by it being pre fabricated no need for attachment but with the same purpose and results.

Fig9 Shows a different shape/form of fig8 one of many different possibilities.

Fig 10 Shows the same set up as fig3 but with invention in place, notice no elastic band, and the means to see how it would sit and act as a guide.

Figl 1 Shows the end view of back stemltube as shown in fig3 no3 no 1 showing back stem no4 showing existing space no3 showing needle.

Fig 12 Shows the same as fig 11 but with the edition of fig 5 or fig8 in place and shown etched to display the difference in figli and figl2 Fig 13 Shows tattoo license to show industry back ground.

As best seen in figlO the invention fig5 is clipped on to the needle bar fig4 or fig8 is used on its own it is then slid into the grip tip or tube via the back stem and then the whole assembly (fig 10) is attached to the tattoo machine as shown as an example in figi.

When looking at fig 10 and fig 12 it shows clearly how the invention acts as a guide inside the back stem and is built to slide back and forth with the action of the tattoo machine but not hindering it's movement.

Claims (10)

1. page 3 Claims 1 A tattoo device comprising of a click on attachment to the needle bar that runs inside the grip tip and tube as shown in figlO or a variation of.
2. 2 A tattoo device comprising of a new needle bar refer to fig8 that already has the new addition pre built on it so that it acts in the same way as shown in fig 10.
3. 3 A tattoo device as in above claims that has a purpose of eradicating the use of an elastic/rubber band.
4. 4 A tattoo device as claimed in any of the proceeding claims that greatly reduces the area of the back stem refer figl2 to reduce blood borne pathogens and back splatter from said tattoo machine.
5. A tattoo device as shown in figS through to fig8 that s shape/dimensions may vary but still work in the same way.
6. 6 A tattoo device as in any of the above claims that acts as a guide for the tattoo needle bar ref fig 4.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A clip for a tattoo machine needle holder, the tattoo machine needle holder having a coaxially mounted tip, grip, and tube, and an elongate needle bar for supporting a needle, the needle bar extending through the grip, tip and tube, said clip comprising a resilient elongate cylindrical body having a central bore for engaging around a needle bar, and a longitudinal slit extending to the central bore, the clip being adapted to detachably mount onto the needle bar and slide into the tube of a tattoo machine needle holder, the central bore engaging the needle bar.2. A clip as claimed in claim 1, in which the longitudinal slit extends the whole length of the resilient elongate cylindrical body.3. A clip as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the clip is adapted to be clipped onto the needle bar. rv... 4. A needle bar for supporting a needle of a tattoo machine, the needle bar having 0) attachment means at one end thereof for communication with a drive means of the tattoo machine, and being prefabricated with a substantially cylindrical member disposed about and attached to the needle bar for engagement in a tube of the tattoo machine.5. A tattoo machine comprising a tattoo machine needle holder, the tattoo machine needle holder having a coaxially mounted tip, grip, and tube, and an elongate needle bar for supporting a needle, the needle bar extending through the grip, tip and tube, and a clip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3.6. A tattoo machine comprising a tattoo machine needle holder, the tattoo machine needle holder having a coaxially mounted tip, grip, and tube, and a needle bar as claimed in claim 4.
7. 7. A tattoo machine as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, in which the tube of the tattoo machine is substantially closed proximate a rear end thereof, to prevent or reduce the flow of blood borne pathogens and back splatter through the tube.
8. 8. A clip substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, and 10 to 12 of the accompanying drawings.
9. 9. A needle bar substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.
10. 10. A tattoo machine substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, 8 and 9, and 10 to 12 of the accompanying drawings. r r 0*) c'J