GB2567804A - Tattoo machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A connection between a handle of a tattoo machine and a removably attachable needle cartridge 105 comprises a mating bore of the needle cartridge with at least one recess 175 which, in use, is slidable over a mating portion 113 of the handle which has at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion 119 and at least one slot 153a,b. Subsequent relative rotation of the handle and the cartridge engages the handle protrusion 119 in the cartridge recess 175 and locks them together. Flat zones 127a,b adjacent the protrusion 119 help enable abutment against the end sides 125a,b of the protrusion. The handle may be a tattoo pen.

Description

Tattoo Machine

This invention relates to a tattoo machine for applying a tattoo, permanent makeup or semi-permanent make-up. The invention also relates to a tattoo pen and needle cartridge of the tattoo machine.

Marking a person’s skin permanently in the form of a tattoo is well known. Typically tattooing involves the process of puncturing the epidermis layer of the skin and injecting microparticles of ink pigment into the dermis. The foreign body microparticles of ink pigment remain in the dermis as part of an immune response. As the skin heals, scabs which form over the epidermis fall off and reveal the pigment trapped in a stable condition in the dermis.

Permanent make-up and semi-permanent make-up are an extension of tattooing, wherein the tattoo is applied to look like traditional day and evening make-up. This has advantages such as, the make-up does not have to be applied daily and does not smudge or smear.

Special microparticles of ink pigment have been developed to be used in permanent make-up to be applied using a tattoo machine. Furthermore, special techniques are employed to reduce the amount of ink particles used with a view to simplify removal of the make-up at an undetermined future date. This is particularly advantageous when the person wishes to change the look of the make-up, perhaps after a year or so. This is sometimes referred to as semi-permanent make-up.

Presently, tattoos, permanent and semi-permanent make-up are usually applied with the use of a tattoo machine. The tattoo machine generally comprises a controller and a tattoo gun or tattoo pen linked with a cable. The controller is usually powered by a mains electric supply allowing a tattoo artist to power and control the tattoo gun or tattoo pen. The tattoo gun or tattoo pen comprises an oscillatory mechanism which is driven by the controller. The oscillatory mechanism is typically an electromagnetic coil motor, which oscillates a piston armature bar which in turn provides a linear back and forth motion to a needle bar with a needle or group of needles located on a free end. Other types of tattoo guns can be used, such as: a rotary gun which is gear driven; an electromagnetic linear oscillator for oscillating the needle or group of needles; a leaf spring attracted or repelled by an electro-magnet for oscillating a needle or group of

-2needles; and pneumatic guns which oscillate a needle or group of needles with compressed air.

The tattoo gun generally has the oscillatory mechanism separate from and mounted on top of a tubular handle portion. The oscillatory mechanism is usually exposed to allow the operator easy access to facilitate adjustment and maintenance. The tubular grip portion allows the user to direct the needle over the skin target. The needle bar runs through the bore of the tubular grip portion and the needle or group of needles protrudes out of a lower end. The oscillation of the needle(s) are used to inject the ink pigment into the skin, after the needle or group of needles have been dipped in an ink. As an alternative, an ink reservoir may be in fluid communication with the tattoo gun, so that there is a continuous flow of ink from the ink reservoir to the needle.

More recently, tattoo pens have become popular, whereby the oscillatory mechanism and components of the gun are compactly fitted into a substantially cylindrical pen like handle. Tattoo pens are generally used for finer work, although can also be used for general work. An ink reservoir is not usually attached to the tattoo pen. The needle is usually dipped into a separate pot of ink, used and replenished.

Tattoo guns and tattoo pens have been designed to be compatible with needle cartridges. The needle cartridges can be connected to and disconnected from the same handle when the user begins on a new tattooee or wants to change ink colour or needle properties to obtain thinner or thicker lines. The cartridges are thus consumable items and the handle is a permanent part of the tattoo machine. The needle bar is replaced with a plunger bar that is driven as a piston. The plunger bar is provided with a ball connector at its free end. This ball connector is engageable with a socket connector which socket connector is fixed to the needle(s) that are held within a cartridge. In this way, a cartridge can be attached to the end portion of the handle on a tattoo gun or pen which can drive the needle(s). The needle cartridge generally takes the form of a plastic tube containing the needle. The plastic tube may have a proximal end connectable to the tattoo gun or pen and a distal end having a small opening through which the needle(s) will oscillate and project, in use. The concept of the needle cartridge obviates the need for having to use multiple guns and/or pens, each fitted with different needles or change the exposed needle(s).

-3Prior art cartridges attach to the handle of a tattoo gun or pen, by a friction fit connection with the portion of the proximal end of the cartridge overlaying a distal end of the handle. Two elastomeric O-rings are employed to assist the friction fit attachment between the cartridge and the handle. However, this prior art arrangement has limitations. Namely, the O-ring does not form a sufficient seal or join between the cartridge and the handle. During tattooing, a tattoo artist dips the end of the carriage and handle assembly into a pot of liquid ink. An amount of ink drawn up into the cartridge and coats the needle(s) as well as collecting in a reservoir in the cartridge. There is a risk of ink escaping from the reservoir and moving to the proximal end of the of the cartridge, around the O-ring and into the handle itself. This is even more probable, the older the cartridge is, because the O-ring can wear out.

This is highly undesirable because even if the cartridge is properly washed out and sterilised for subsequent use, the handle may well not be. Therefore, there is a small risk that during subsequent use on a different person, the old ink and blood which may have contaminated the ink, could move back into the cartridge and mix with new ink and get into the bloodstream of the person receiving the tattoo. This is extremely undesirable. Firstly, bacteria can get into the tattooee’s skin and bloodstream which increases the risk of post tattoo infection. Secondly, the arrangement gives rise to diseases being transmitted between people receiving tattoos.

Furthermore, the connection between the cartridge and the handle allows the cartridge to be rotated relative thereto during use. This twisting action of the cartridge and needle(s) is undesirable for the tattoo artist, especially when working on fine detail of a tattoo and using a cartridge having a group of needles.

The present invention attempts, at least in its preferred embodiment, to overcome these problems.

The present invention provides a tattoo machine comprising a controller, a handle and a needle cartridge, wherein the needle cartridge is removably attachable to the handle via a connection, wherein the handle comprises a receiving portion having at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion and the needle cartridge comprises an attachment portion having an inner wall defining a bore, the inner wall comprising at least one receiving recess, wherein in use, the attachment portion of the needle cartridge slides over the receiving portion of the handle, where upon relative rotation of

-4the attachment portion and receiving portion engages the radially outwardly extending protrusion in the receiving recess. Preferably, the bore is a through bore, but may be a blind bore or a bore which reduces in diameter over a taper or via a step. Preferably the recess is generally rectangular having an inwardly extending protrusion on at least two sides defining a mouth into which said outwardly extending protrusion of a handle may enter the recess.

Optionally, the receiving recess is at least partly bound by a raised region provided on the inner wall of the needle cartridge, and a further raised region provided on the inner wall of the needle cartridge.

Optionally, the raised region and the further raised region together form an “L” shaped raised region. It may be that the raised region and the further raised region are connected to each other. It may be that the raised region and the further raised region are separated from each other.

Optionally, the raised region forms a face for abutment contact with the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion and the further raised region forms a further face for sliding contact with the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion. Preferably the further face can slide over a side of the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion. Preferably the face of the raised region prevents further rotation of the needle cartridge about the handle. This may be advantageous because undesirable rotary movement of the needle cartridge when in use can be inhibited. Preferably the face of the further raised region forms a ledge for contact with the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion, which inhibits axial movement of the needle cartridge away from the handle.

Optionally, the needle cartridge is provided with at least one slot which extends through the inner wall and an outer wall of the attachment portion of the needle cartridge. It may be that the slot is replaced with a recess in the inner wall. Preferably, the raised region is adjacent the width of the slot, and the further raised region is adjacent the length of the slot, which length is closest to a proximal end of the needle cartridge. This arrangement may be advantageous because the user can see through the at least one slot and determine whether engagement between the radially outwardly extending protrusion and the receiving recess has been made.

-5Optionally, the face is coplanar with a side of the at least one slot and the further face is coplanar with an edge of the at least one slot. Optionally, the further raised region provides an end face at its free end.

Optionally, the receiving recess further comprises an additional raised region, which provides a step having a height that is coplanar with an edge of the slot. Preferably the raised region, further raised region and the additional raised region together form a raised “C” shaped region. It may be that a generally “C” shaped region is provided. It could be that the raised region, further raised region and the additional raised region are spaced apart from each other. This arrangement may be advantageous because the further raised region and the additional raised region provide abutment surfaces to the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion to inhibit axial movement of the needle cartridge.

Optionally, a substantially cylindrical raised portion having a surface, is provided on a surface of the inner wall of the needle cartridge. Preferably the diameter across the substantially cylindrical raised portion is smaller than the diameter across the inner wall of the needle cartridge. This may ensure a sealing contact between the needle cartridge and the receiving portion of the handle.

Optionally, the “C” shaped region is integral with the substantially cylindrical raised portion. It could be that the “C” shaped region is spaced from the substantially cylindrical raised portion.

Optionally, the substantially cylindrical raised portion provides a ledge on the inner wall of the needle cartridge, which ledge forms an end face with the step. Preferably the ledge forms an area for abutment with a shoulder on the handle. This may be advantageous, as upon connection of the needle cartridge to the handle, the abutment of the ledge on the shoulder indicates to the user, that rotation of the needle cartridge is then required.

Optionally, a mouth is defined by the surface of the inner wall of the needle cartridge, the end face and the end face of the raised “C” region.

Optionally, two slots are provided at opposing sides on the needle cartridge, such that the centre of a first slot is spaced approximately 180 degrees from the centre of a second slot. It may be that three slots are provided, around the needle cartridge. It could be that the three slots are spaced approximately equidistant apart. It may be that

-6four slots are provided, around the needle cartridge. It could be that the four slots are spaced approximately equidistant apart. This may be advantageous because the needle cartridge can be secured to the receiving portion of the handle at multiple points around the receiving portion.

Optionally, the receiving portion is generally cylindrical. It may be that the receiving portion is generally square shaped in cross section. It could be that the receiving portion is generally rectangular shaped in cross section. It may be that the receiving portion is generally elliptical shaped in cross section. It could be that the receiving portion is generally triangular shaped in cross section. It may be that the receiving portion could take the form of a spigot.

Optionally, the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion is substantially concentric with the receiving portion of the handle.

Optionally, the handle is provided with at least one flat zone adjacent an end surface of the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion on the receiving portion. Preferably two flat zones are provided, one either side of the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion on the receiving portion. Preferably the flat zone provides a milled surface on the handle. More preferably the flat zone provides for a slightly increased height of the end of the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion.

Optionally, the free end of the receiving portion is provided with a chamfered surface. It may be that the chamfered surface allows the user to push the needle cartridge over the receiving portion of the handle more easily.

Optionally, a shoulder is provided on the handle. Preferably, the shoulder is concentric with the receiving portion.

Optionally, two radially outwardly extending protrusions are provided at opposing sides on the receiving portion, such that the centre of a first radially outwardly extending protrusion is spaced approximately 180 degrees from the centre of the second radially outwardly extending protrusion. It may be that three radially outwardly extending protrusions are provided, around the receiving portion of the handle. It could be that the three radially outwardly extending protrusions are spaced approximately equidistant apart. It may be that four radially outwardly extending protrusions are provided, around the receiving portion of the handle. It could be that the four radially outwardly extending

-7protrusions are spaced approximately equidistant apart. This is advantageous because the needle cartridge can be secured to the receiving portion of the handle at multiple points around the receiving portion.

Optionally, the handle is a tattoo pen. Preferably, a motor is provided within a casing of the handle, which motor drives a thrust rod. It may be that the motor rotates an angled cog, the rotation of which provides the linear mention of the thrust rod. Advantageously, the controller and handle are separate units. It may be that the motor is powered by a battery. Preferably the battery is provided in the handle. Advantageously, the controller and handle are connected by a cable. Optionally, the controller and handle are integrated into a single unit to be held by a user.

The present invention also provides a method of attaching a needle cartridge in accordance with the present invention, to a handle in accordance with the present invention, which method comprises the steps of pushing the needle cartridge over a receiving portion on the handle and rotating the needle cartridge about its axis to lock the needle cartridge and the handle together.

Optionally, the method further comprises the steps of rotating the needle cartridge about its axis to engage at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion provided on the receiving portion of the handle with at least one receiving recess provided on an inner wall of the needle cartridge.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of rotating the needle cartridge about its axis so that a raised “C” region swallows the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion until a face of the raised “C” region” abuts an end of the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion.

The present invention also provides a handle for use in a tattoo machine in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention also provides a needle cartridge for use in accordance with the present invention.

-8For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a tattoo machine of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a tattoo pen of the tattoo machine shown in Figure 1, the tattoo pen comprising a handle and a cartridge;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an oscillatory mechanism encased in the handle of the tattoo pen shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of the handle shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the handle shown in Figure

4;

Figure 6 is a side view in partial cross section of the cartridge shown in Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of part of the cartridge shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a handle; and

Figure 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a needle cartridge fitted to the handle shown in shown in Figure 4.

-9Figure 1 shows a tattoo machine in accordance with the present invention comprising a controller 1 and a tattoo pen 101. The controller 1 has an electric cable 3 connected to a mains voltage electrical outlet (not shown). The tattoo pen 101 is connected to the controller 1 with a cable 107. The tattoo pen 101 comprises a handle 103 and a needle cartridge 105.

Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, there is shown the tattoo pen 101 of the tattoo machine shown in Figure 1. The cartridge 105 is removably attachable to the handle 103.

The handle 103 has a casing 109, which is provided with a portion of reduced diameter 111 and a ribbed portion 112 to provide an ergonomic grip for the user. A rotatable control portion 116 extends from the casing 109, which has a scale indices 114 on an end of the casing 109. The rotatable control portion 116 reduces in diameter to provide an ergonomic fingertip grip. The casing 109 holds an oscillatory mechanism 100, such as that shown in Figure 3.

An electric motor 2 is connected to and controlled by the controller 1 via cable 107. The electric motor 2 drives a rotor 4 on which a ball bearing 5 is mounted. The ball bearing 5 includes a fixed inner race way 6 secured at an inclination on the rotor 4 and a free-wheeling outer race way 7. A connecting rod 8, on a proximal end, is retained on the outer raceway 7 and, on a distal end, coupled by a ball and socket joint 9 to a thrust rod 10. Upon rotation of the rotor 4, the ball bearing 5 is set into a wobbling motion, wobbling over axial distance B, which is converted into linear reciprocating drive motion in the direction of arrow A by means of the connecting rod 8 and the thrust rod 10 to move a needle(s) 102. Thus the rotary motion of the electric motor 2 is converted into linear motion in the needle(s) 102.

The rotatable control portion 116 allows the user to adjust the maximum position in which the thrust rod 10 can extend to, thereby allowing the user to vary the length of the needle(s) 102 relative to the needle cartridge 105 according to the scale indices 114 (denoting mm).

Figure 4 shows the handle 103 with the cartridge 105 removed. The rotatable control portion 116 of the handle 103 is provided with a shoulder 115 and a cylindrical receiving portion 113 of smaller diameter at its distal end. The shoulder 115 is concentric with the cylindrical receiving portion 113 and is substantially perpendicular to the length

- loot the cylindrical receiving portion 113. The cylindrical receiving portion 113 is provided with a chamfered surface 117 at its free end. The thrust rod 10 is arranged to reciprocate in a tube 117a which has an open end 117b.

The cylindrical receiving portion 113 is provided with a first and second protrusions 119 (only one shown) which each subtends a portion of the cylindrical receiving portion 113. The centre of the second protrusion 119 is located approximately 180 degrees from the centre of the first protrusion 119 about the cylindrical portion 113. Preferably, each of the first and second protrusions 119 subtends between 20 and 80 degrees and is more preferably substantially 60 degrees. The first and second protrusions 119 are each substantially rectangular when taken in plan view. The first protrusion is generally similar to the second protrusion and thus only the first protrusion is described herein. As seen in Figure 5, the first protrusion 119 is formed with a curved top surface 121 substantially concentric with the cylindrical receiving portion 113, side surfaces 123a and 123b, which run along the length of the protrusion, and end surfaces 125a and 125b, which are substantially perpendicular to the side surfaces 123a,123b.

Adjacent each end surface 125a and 125b of the first protrusion 119 are flat zones 127a and 127b, which have been milled from the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical receiving portion 113. The arrangement of such a protrusion 119 and flat zones 127a,127b are repeated in identical form on the opposite side of the portion 113, such that the centre point of the first protrusion 119 is approximately 180 degrees from the centre point of the opposite second protrusion 119.

The cartridge 105 shown in Figure 6 comprises a housing 129 made from a transparent plastics material, which holds a needle assembly 130. The housing 129 comprises a proximal frusto-conical attachment portion 132 having an outer wall 133 tapering inwardly from a proximal end face 134 at a shallow angle and an inner wall 135 defining a substantially cylindrical bore 136. The cylindrical bore 136 may be of constant diameter along its length or may taper slightly towards a distal end (see Figure 9). The housing 129 also has an integral frusto-conical middle portion 137 having an outer wall 138 tapering inwardly from a proximal end at a less shallow angle and an inner wall 139 defining three bores 137a, 137b, 137c of different internal diameters. The housing 129 also has a flattened frusto-conical needle guide portion 140 having parallel outer walls 141 and (not shown) with sides tapering inwardly from a proximal end at a less shallow

-11angle. An inner wall 142 defines a bore 143 having an open needle end 146. A proximal end 131 of the end portion 140 is push fit and preferably glued, adhered or friction welded to the middle portion 137.

The needle assembly 130 comprises an annular base 144 having a concentric opening 147. The annular base 144 extends across the diameter of the bore 137a of the middle portion 137 and abuts a shoulder 145. A needle holder 148 extends through the annular base 144 and is longitudinally slideable therethrough against a spring 149. The spring abuts an internal ridge 156, such that the spring can be compressed against internal ridge 156. A needle holder head 150 is integral with the needle holder 148 and is of larger diameter than the concentric opening 147, preventing the needle holder from falling through the annular base 144. A needle or group of needles 102 extends axially from the needle holder 148 through the spring 149, bore 137b, 137c and into bore 143. The needle holder 148 also has a proximal engaging portion 151 extending into the bore 136 of the proximal attachment portion 132. A flexible elastomeric sheath 152 is fixed to the underside of the annular base 144 and extends cylindrically around the engaging portion 151 to inter alia inhibit back flow of ink and other contaminants from entering the handle 103, when in use.

A hole 158 is provided through the outer wall 138 and inner wall 139 at a forward end of the middle portion 137 of the cartridge 105 and into the bore 137c. This allows, in use, ink to pass into the bore 137c and form a reservoir, when the needle(s) 102 and cartridge 105 are dipped into a pot of ink. Ink in the reservoir is able to move down under gravity and coat the needle(s) during the tattooing process.

Before use, the cartridge 105 is fitted on to the cylindrical receiving portion 113 of the handle 103.

The cylindrical outer wall 133 of the attachment portion 132 is provided with a slot 153 which extends through the outer wall 133 and inner wall 135. Internal details around the area of the slot are omitted from Figure 6 for clarity, but shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 shows the slot 153 from the inside of the attachment portion 132. A further slot 153a is repeated in identical form on the opposite side of the attachment portion 132 of the cartridge 105, such that the centre point of the first slot 153 is approximately 180 degrees from the centre point of the further slot 153a.

-12To facilitate the understanding, features will be described in their orientation as shown in Figure 7.

The inner wall 135 of the attachment region 132 of the cartridge 105 is provided with raised regions projecting into the bore 136. Namely, a region having a substantially cylindrical raised inner surface 161 is present within the attachment portion 132 of the cartridge 105, which subtends 360 degrees and extends downwardly to a ridge 155. The raised region provides a horizontal ledge 157 which runs partially around the inner circumference of the attachment region 135. The arrangement is such that the diameter of the cartridge 105 across the surface 161 is smaller than the diameter of the cartridge 105 across the non-raised regions (surface 165).

An extension of the raised region forms a step 167, wherein the height of the step 167 is co-planar with lower edge 168 of the slot 153. The step 167 forms a first part 176 of a raised “C” or “J” region 175 around the slot 153. The step 167 has a length substantially the same as that of the length of edge 168 of the slot 153.

The raised “C” region 175 comprises three substantial parts, which are integral with each other. The first part 176 has been described. The second part 177 extends upwardly from the raised inner surface 161 to a point higher than an upper edge 169 and along side 170 of the slot 153, forming a face 179 (and 179a in slot 153a). The third part 178 extends along the length of the edge 169 and stops coincident with side 171 of the slot 153. Thus a mouth 172 is defined by the inner diameter of the surface 165, end 173 of the first part of the raised “C” region 175 and end 174 of the third part 178 of the raised “C” region 175.

The raised “C” region 175 is integral with the raised region that provides the surface 161. The raised “C” region 175 is repeated in identical form around the opposing slot 153a on the opposite side of the attachment portion 132 of the cartridge 105. Such that, the view of Figure 7 would be identical to the view after the cartridge 105 had been rotated approximately 180 degrees about its axis.

In use, a tattoo artist, permanent or semi-permanent makeup artist or other user, would assemble the tattoo machine 101 ready for tattooing a subject. The user attaches the cartridge 105 to the handle 103 by carrying out the following steps. Firstly, the cartridge 105 is positioned, such that the attachment portion 132 is aligned with the cylindrical receiving portion 113 and pushed thereover. Secondly, the cartridge 105 is

-13rotated about its axis such that the raised “C” regions 175 and 175a are aligned with the space between first and second protrusions 119 on the cylindrical receiving portion 113. The cartridge 105 is then pushed further over the cylindrical receiving portion 113, such that the end face 134 of the attachment portion 132 of the cartridge 105 abuts the shoulder 115 on the handle 103.

The user then twists the cartridge 105 in the direction of arrow A (Figure 7), so that the protrusions 119 are swallowed by the raised “C” regions 175 and 175a respectively. The user will be able to twist the cartridge 105, until the protrusion 119 abuts the face 179 of the second part 177 of the raised “C” region 175. The protrusion 119 aligns with the slot 153. The cartridge 105 is thus locked in place from axial movement by the first 176 and third 178 parts of the raised “C” region 175 and from rotation in the clockwise direction when looking from the open needle end 146 of the cartridge 105 (direction A in Figure 7). The cartridge 105 is inhibited from anticlockwise rotation by a friction fit. The cartridge 105 is now in a locked position and secured to the handle 103 and ready for use.

The diameter across the cartridge 105 between the second part 177 of the raised “C” region 175 is smaller than the diameter across the cartridge 105 between the surfaces 165. This allows the raised “C” region 175 to contact or be in very close proximity to the protrusion 119 of the handle 119.

The flat zone 127b ensures that the end surface 125b of the protrusion 119 is clearly exposed for abutment contact with the face 179 of the raised “C” region 175 of the cartridge 105. The provision of the flat zone 127b inhibits any possible deformations in the cylindrical wall of the attachment portion 132, that would otherwise encourage the raised “C” region 175 to pass over the protrusion 119 and miss abutment contact therewith. Furthermore, the provision of the flat zone 127b effectively increases the height of the end surface 125b on the protrusion 119 by a small amount.

The third part 178 of the raised “C” region 175, will be in contact with the side surface 123a of the protrusion 119. Therefore, if the user attempts to remove the cartridge 105 from the handle 103 by simply pulling the cartridge 105 from the handle 103 whilst it is in the locked position, the third part 178 of the raised “C” region will prevent the cartridge 105 from being pulled away from the handle 103. This arrangement provides a way in which the cartridge 105 can be secured to the handle 103

-14Upon attachment of the cartridge 105 to the handle 103, the proximal engaging portion 151 of the needle holder 148 enters the open end 117b of the handle 103 and engages with a socket on the distal end of the thrust rod 10.

In use, the controller 1 is used to control the oscillatory mechanism 100, which reciprocates thrust rod 10 and thus the needle holder 148 in the cartridge 105. The needle cartridge 105 carries the reciprocating needle 102 through the bore 143 and in and out of the open needle end 146. The reciprocating needle holder 148 is biased against the spring 149, which facilitates return of the needle to within the cartridge 105.

In order to remove the cartridge 105 from the handle 103, the user twists the cartridge 105 to rotate it axially in the opposite direction to that shown by arrow A. The cartridge 105 is rotated until a face 164 on the second part 177 of the raised “C” region 175 abuts the end surface 125a of the protrusion 119. At this position, the raised “C” regions 175 and 175a are aligned with the space between protrusions 119 on the cylindrical receiving portion 113, and that the protrusions 119 are aligned with the space between the raised “C” regions 175 and 175a. The user can then pull the cartridge 105 away from the handle 103 in an axial direction in order to remove the cartridge 105 from the handle 103.

Figure 8 shows a handle 203, which is an alternative embodiment of the handle

103. Handle 203 is substantially identical to handle 103, however the main difference is that a circumferential recess 280 is provided around a cylindrical receiving portion 213. The circumferential recess 280 accommodates an elastomeric O-ring (not shown) which can assist in providing a sealed connection between the handle 203 and cartridge 105, around the cylindrical receiving portion 213 when the cartridge 105 is attached to the handle 203. The diameter of the cylindrical receiving portion 213 about the circumferential recess 280 is smaller than the diameter across the cylindrical portion 213 about the line D-D.

Figure 9 shows a needle cartridge 305, which is an alternate embodiment of the cartridge 105. Cartridge 305 is substantially identical to the cartridge 105, however the main difference is that an inner wall 335 of an attachment portion 332 is tapered, such that the length of the inner wall 335 is not substantially parallel to the length of an outer wall 333 of the attachment portion 332 of the cartridge 305. The arrangement is such that the distance between the inner wall 335 and the outer wall 333 at the free end of

-15the cartridge 305 (i.e. the end closest to end face 334) is smaller than the distance between the inner wall 335 and the outer wall 333 at the opposing end of the attachment portion 332 (i.e. the end closest to a ridge 355).

The cartridge 305 will removably attach to the handle 103 in the same manner as previously described and the inner wall 335 of the cartridge 305 will contact the circumference of the cylindrical receiving portion 113 of the handle 103 approximately at a point between the free end of the cylindrical receiving portion 113 and the chamfered surface 117.

In the preferred embodiments, the handle 103 is approximately 110.0mm in length and approximately 18.5mm in diameter across the casing 109 and 15.5mm across the middle of the portion of reduced diameter 111. The cylindrical receiving portion 113 is approximately 11.0mm in length and approximately 9.0mm in diameter. The protrusion 119 is approximately 5.0mm in length, approximately 1,5mm in width and approximately 0.5mm in height. The flat zones 127a and 127b are approximately 5.0mm in length and approximately 1,5mm in width.

The cartridge 105 is approximately 53.0mm in length and is approximately 11,5mm in diameter across the attachment portion 132 (from a point on the outer wall 133 to an opposing point of the outer wall 133). The distance between the inner wall 135 and the outer wall 133 is approximately 1.0mm. The diameter of bore 137a is approximately 8.5mm, the diameter of the bore 137b is approximately 7.5mm and the diameter of the bore 137c is approximately 6.0mm. The bore 143 is approximately 2.0mm in diameter. The spring is approximately 12mm in length.

The needle 102 is approximately 26.5mm in length and approximately 0.2mm in diameter. The distance between the annular base 144 and the end of the engaging portion 151 is approximately 10.5mm.

The slot 153 is approximately 6.0mm in length (measured around the outer wall 133) and approximately 2.0mm in width (measured around the outer wall 133). The ledge 157 is approximately 0.2mm in width. The end 173 is approximately 0.2mm in width and 0.5mm in height. The end 174 is approximately 0.2mm in width and approximately 2.0mm in height. The face 164 is approximately 0.2mm in width.

The face 179 (and 179a) is approximately 1.2mm in width and approximately 2.0mm in height.

-16The diameter of the circumferential recess 280 is approximately 8.0mm. The distance between the inner wall 335 and the outer wall 333 at the free end of the cartridge 305 (i.e. the end closest to end face 334) is approximately 0.5mm. The distance between the inner wall 335 and the outer wall 333 at the opposing end of the attachment portion 332 (i.e. the end closest to a ridge 355) is approximately 1,5mm.

In the preferred embodiments, the casing 109 of the handle 103 is manufactured from aluminium. The cartridge is manufactured from plastics material, and the annular base 145 is manufactured from plastics material. The needle (102) are manufactured from metal, in particular stainless steel. The sheath 152 is manufactured from an elastomeric plastics material.

Various modifications could be made to the tattoo machine, for example handle 103,203 could be provided with a battery to power the electric motor. This would negate the handle from having a power cable fixed thereto in use. The thrust rod 10 could be moved back and forth in a linear motion, as a result of a connection directly with the ball bearing 5. It may be desired that in order to secure the needle cartridge (105,305) to the handle (103,203), the needle cartridge (105,305) is rotated in a direction opposite to that of direction A. Therefore the raised “C” region would be reversed, and the mouth of the raised “C” region would face in a direction opposite to that of direction A.

Controller

Electric motor

Electric cable

Rotor

Ball bearing

Inner race way

Outer race way

Connecting rod

Ball and socket joint

Thrust rod

101 Tattoo pen

102 Needle(s)

103 Handle

105 Cartridge

107 Cable

109 Casing

100 Oscillatory mechanism

111 Portion of reduced diameter

112 Ribbed portion

113 Cylindrical receiving portion

114 Scale indices

115 Shoulder

116 Rotatable control portion

117 Chamfered surface

119 Protrusion

121 Top surface

123a,123b Side surfaces

125a,125b End surfaces

127a,127b Flat zones

129 Housing

130 Needle assembly

131 Proximal end

132 Attachment portion

133 Outer wall

134 End face

135 Inner wall

136 Cylindrical bore

137 Middle portion

137a,137b, 137c Bores

138 Outer wall

139 Inner wall

140 End portion

141 Outer walls

142 Inner wall

143 Bore

144 Annular base

145 Shoulder

146 Open needle end

147 Concentric opening

148 Needle holder

149 Spring

150 Needle holder head

151 Engaging portion

152 Sheath

153 Slot

153a Slot

155 Ridge

156 Internal ridge

157 Ledge

158 Hole

161 Surface

164 Face

165 Surface

167 Step

168 Lower edge

169 Upper edge

170 Side

171 Side

172 Mouth

173 End

174 End

175 Raised “C” region

176 First part

177 Second part

178 Third part

179 Face

203 Handle

213 Cylindrical receiving portion

280 Circumferential recess

305 Cartridge

332 Attachment portion

333 Outer wall

335 Inner wall

355 Ridge

Claims (53)

1. A tattoo machine comprising a controller (1), a handle (103,203) and a needle cartridge (105,305), wherein the needle cartridge (105,305) is removably attachable to the handle (103,203) via a connection, wherein said handle (103,203) comprises a receiving portion (113) having at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) and said needle cartridge (105,305) comprises an attachment portion (132) having an inner wall (135) defining a bore (136), the inner wall (135) comprising at least one receiving recess (175,175a), wherein in use, said attachment portion (132) of said needle cartridge (105,305) slides over said receiving portion (113) of said handle, whereupon relative rotation of said attachment portion (132) and receiving portion (113) engages said radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) in said receiving recess (175,175a).

2. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the receiving recess (175,175a) is at least partly bound by a raised region (177) provided on the inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305), and a further raised region (178) provided on the inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305).

3. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the raised region (177) and the further raised region (178) together form an “L” shaped raised region.

4. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claims 2 or 3, wherein the raised region (177) forms a face (179) for abutment contact with the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) and the further raised region (178) forms a further face for sliding contact with the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119).

5. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the needle cartridge (105,305) is provided with at least one slot (153,153a) which extends through the inner wall (135) and an outer wall (133) of the attachment portion (132) of the needle cartridge (105,305).

6. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the raised region (177) is adjacent the width of the slot (153,153a), and the further raised region (178) is adjacent the length of the slot (153,153a), which length is closest to a proximal end of the needle cartridge (105,305).

7. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claims 4 and 5, wherein the face (179) is coplanar with a side (170) of the at least one slot (153,153a) and the further face is coplanar with an edge (169) of the at least one slot (153,153a).

8. A tattoo machine as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 7, wherein the further raised region (178) provides an end face (174) at its free end.

9. A tattoo machine as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the receiving recess (175) further comprises an additional raised region (176), which provides a step (167) having a height that is coplanar with an edge (168) of the slot (153,153a).

10. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the raised region (177), further raised region (178) and the additional raised region (176) together form a raised “C” shaped region (175).

11. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a substantially cylindrical raised portion having a surface (161) is provided on a surface (165) of the inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305).

12. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claims 10 and 11, wherein the “C” shaped region (175) is integral with the substantially cylindrical raised portion.

13. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claim 9 and Claims 11 or 12, wherein the substantially cylindrical raised portion provides a ledge (157) on the inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305), which ledge (157) forms an end face (173) with the step (167).

14. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claim 8, 10 and 13, wherein a mouth is defined by the surface (165) of the inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305), the end face (173) and the end face (174) of the raised “C” region (175).

15. A tattoo machine as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein two slots (153,153a) are provided at opposing sides on the needle cartridge (105,305), such that the centre of a first slot (153) is spaced approximately 180 degrees from the centre of a second slot (153a).

16. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the receiving portion (113) is generally cylindrical.

17. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) has an outer face substantially concentric with the receiving portion (113) of the handle (103,203).

18. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handle (103,203) is provided with at least one flat zone (127a, 127b) adjacent an end surface (125a,125b) of the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) on the receiving portion (113).

19. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the receiving portion (113) has a free end provided with a chamfered surface (117).

20. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a shoulder (115) is provided on the handle (103,203).

21. A tattoo machine as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the shoulder (115) is concentric with the receiving portion (119).

22. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein two radially outwardly extending protrusions (119) are provided on opposing sides on the receiving portion (119), such that the centre of a first radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) is spaced approximately 180 degrees from the centre of the second radially outwardly extending protrusion (119).

23. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handle (103,203) is a tattoo pen.

24. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a motor (2) is provided within a casing (109) of the handle (103,203), which motor (2) drives a thrust rod (10).

25. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller (1) and handle (103,203) are separate units.

26. A tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller (1) and handle (103,203) are integrated into a single unit to be held by a user.

27. A method of preparing for use a tattoo machine as claimed in any preceding claim, which method comprises the steps of pushing the needle cartridge (105,305) over a receiving portion (113) on the handle (103,203) and rotating the needle cartridge (105,305) about its axis to lock the needle cartridge (105,305) and the handle (103,203) together.

28. A method as claimed in Claim 27, which method further comprises the steps of rotating the needle cartridge (105,305) about its axis to engage said at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) provided on the receiving portion (113) of the handle with said receiving recess (175,175a) provided on an inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305).

29. A method as claimed in claims 27 or 28, which method further comprises the step of rotating the needle cartridge (105,305) about its axis so that a raised “C” region (175,175a) swallows the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) until a face (179) of the raised “C” region” abuts an end (125b) of the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119).

30. A handle of the tattoo machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26.

31. A handle as claimed in Claim 30, wherein the handle (103,203) is provided with a receiving portion (113) at a distal end.

32. A handle as claimed in Claim 31, wherein at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) has an outer face substantially concentric with the receiving portion (113) of the handle (103,203).

33. A handle as claimed in Claim 31 or 32, wherein the handle (103,203) is provided with at least one flat zone (127a,127b) adjacent an end surface (125a,125b) of the at least one radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) on the receiving portion (113).

34. A handle as claimed in any of claims 31 to 33, wherein the free end of the receiving portion (113) is provided with a chamfered surface (117).

35. A handle as claimed in any of claims 31 to 34, wherein a shoulder (115) is provided on the handle (103,203).

36. A handle as claimed in Claim 35, wherein the shoulder (115) is concentric with the receiving portion (119).

37. A handle as claimed in any of claims 31 to 36, wherein two radially outwardly extending protrusions (119) are provided at opposing sides on the receiving portion (119), such that the centre of a first radially outwardly extending protrusion (119) is spaced approximately 180 degrees from the centre of the second radially outwardly extending protrusion (119).

38. A handle as claimed in any of claims 30 to 37, wherein a motor is provided within a casing (109) of the handle (103,203), which motor drives a thrust rod (10).

39. A handle as claimed in any of claims 30 to 38, wherein the handle (103,203) is a tattoo pen.

40. A needle cartridge of a tattoo machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26.

41. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claim 40, wherein the at least one receiving recess (175,175a) comprises a raised region (177) provided on the inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305), and a further raised region (178) provided on the inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305).

42. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claim 41, wherein, the raised region (177) and the further raised region (178) together form an “L” shaped raised region.

43. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claim 41 or 42, wherein the raised region (177) forms a face (179) and the further raised region (178) forms a further face.

44. A needle cartridge as claimed in any of claims 40 to 43, wherein the needle cartridge (105,305) is provided with at least one slot (153,153a) which extends through an inner wall (135) and an outer wall (133) of an attachment portion (132) of the needle cartridge (105,305).

45. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claims 41 and 44, wherein the raised region (177) is adjacent the width of the slot (153,153a), and the further raised region (178) is adjacent the length of the slot (153,153a), which length is closest to the proximal end of the needle cartridge (105,305).

46. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claim 43 and 44, wherein the face (179) is coplanar with a side (170) of the at least one slot (153,153a) and the further face is coplanar with an edge (169) of the at least one slot (153,153a).

47. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claim 41, wherein the further raised region (178) provides an end face (174) at its free end.

48. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claims 41 and 44, wherein the receiving recess (175) further comprises an additional raised region (176), which provides a step (167) having a height that is coplanar with an edge (168) of the slot (153,153a).

49. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claim 48, wherein the raised region (177), further raised region (178) and the additional raised region (176) together form a raised “C” shaped region (175).

50. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claim 40 or 41, wherein a substantially cylindrical raised portion having a surface (161) is provided on the surface (165) of an inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305).

51. A needle cartridge as claimed in claims 49 and 50, wherein the “C” shaped region (175) is integral with the substantially cylindrical raised portion.

52. A needle cartridge as claimed in claims 48 and 50, wherein the substantially cylindrical raised portion provides a ledge (157) on the inner wall (135) of the

5 needle cartridge (105,305), which ledge (157) forms and end face (173) with the step (167).

53. A needle cartridge as claimed in Claims 47, 49, 50 and 52, wherein a mouth is defined by the surface (165) of the inner wall (135) of the needle cartridge (105,305), the end face (173) and the end face (174) of the raised “C” shaped