Cartridge and handpiece for a tattoo machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a handpiece (200) for a tattoo machine, wherein the handpiece (200) can be mounted on a needle module (300) of the tattoo machine and is designed to be interchangeable with another handpiece such that the mounted handpiece (200) annularly surrounds the needle module (300), and the handpiece (200) has a receiving opening (210) into which a cartridge (100) can be inserted, the cartridge having a housing (110) which is designed to be filled with a tattooing fluid (T) and which is designed such that the inserted cartridge (100) is integrally accommodated in the handpiece (210).

Description

[0001] Cartridge and handle for a tattoo machine

[0002] The present invention relates to a cartridge and a handle equipped therewith for a tattoo machine, as well as to a tattoo machine provided with such a handle.

[0003] Among the tattoo machines on the market, there are those that have a needle module onto which a grip can be attached or, if necessary, replaced. This allows the tattoo artist to always use the grip that is most ergonomically suitable for them. Grips are available in numerous variations. Disposable grips are also offered for hygienic reasons.

[0004] Besides ergonomics and hygiene, it is also important that the tattoo fluid or ink required for tattooing is as easy to handle as possible. This is particularly advantageous when creating colored tattoos, as it allows for quick switching between different colored inks. Therefore, there is a need to be able to switch between the required tattoo fluids or inks as easily as possible.

[0005] Patent document IT 2018 00 007 613 A1 discloses a tattooing machine with three containers (“contenitori 11”; “11A1-A3”) for different inks or colors, wherein the containers are located on a U-shaped clamp (“morsetto 25A”) which is attached to the connecting end of the needle module (see Fig. 1). The clamp has a holder for the containers that can be pivoted by means of a screw 27A, so that their inclination can be optimally adjusted for the respective handling. This construction is very bulky and therefore cumbersome when handling the tattooing machine. Furthermore, it is also disclosed there (see Fig. 5) that the containers can be designed as cartridges (“cartuccia 11 B”) which are attached to the handle (“l'impugnatura 2B”) of the tattooing machine by means of elastic arms (“bracci elastici 29B”).The cartridge in that design has a housing with arms that can be inserted into blind holes in the handle, with the housing protruding from the handle. This design also makes handling the tattoo machine more difficult. The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to advantageously fulfill the aforementioned requirements for a tattoo machine, particularly with regard to handling, ergonomics, and hygiene.

[0006] The problem is solved by the items as specified in the dependent claims, including a handle with the features of claim 1; a cartridge with the features of claim 6 and a tattooing machine with the features of claim 10.

[0007] The handle according to the invention is characterized in that it is designed to be mountable on a needle module of the tattoo machine and interchangeable with another handle, such that the handle mounted in each case surrounds the needle module in a ring-like manner, and that the handle has a receiving opening into which one cartridge can be inserted interchangeably with another, wherein the cartridge has a housing (110) designed for filling with a tattoo fluid, which is designed such that the cartridge inserted in each case is integrally or completely received in the handle.

[0008] Accordingly, the grip and cartridge form a single, integrated unit, and the needle module is enclosed within the grip, resulting in a very compact and easy-to-handle tattoo machine. Both the grip and cartridge can be quickly exchanged for other grips or cartridges, significantly improving the machine's handling, particularly in terms of ergonomics (through the use of the optimal grip), hygiene (fresh or new grip and / or cartridge), and the ability to quickly and reliably switch to a tattoo fluid with the desired properties (color, pigmentation, etc.).

[0009] The cartridge according to the invention is designed to be attached to a handle and is distinguished by the fact that it has a housing designed for filling with a tattooing fluid, which is designed in such a way that the inserted cartridge is integrally received in the handle.

[0010] And the tattoo machine presented here is designed accordingly such that it has a needle module and a handle according to the invention with a cartridge according to the invention, wherein the handle is mountable on the needle module of the tattoo machine and is interchangeable with another such that the mounted handle surrounds the needle module in a ring shape, and wherein the handle has a receiving opening into which the cartridge can be inserted, wherein the cartridge has a housing designed for filling with a tattoo fluid, which is designed such that the inserted cartridge is integrally received in the handle.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] Therefore, it is advantageous if the receiving opening of the handle has walls matching the side walls of the cartridge housing, wherein the walls and side walls have a profile, in particular a sliding groove or dovetail profile, whereby the cartridge can be inserted into the receiving opening as an insertion element.

[0013] The handle preferably has a channel extending from the receiving opening to one end of the handle, through which a tubular element can be passed. This tubular element is connected to the interior of the cartridge housing and extends towards the needle module, with a free end of the tubular element projecting into a ventilation opening on the needle module, which leads to the needle exit channel of the needle module. This allows the tattoo fluid or ink in the cartridge to flow directly from the cartridge housing, through the tubular element, to the ventilation opening of the needle module and into the needle exit channel, without the need for a pump or any other auxiliary device.Furthermore, it is advantageous if the tubular element is made of an elastic material and if an adjusting element, in particular an adjusting screw, is arranged on the channel of the grip and acts on the tubular element (tube) to change its cross-section. This allows the flow of ink to be reliably regulated directly at the grip during the tattooing process. For improved ink drainage, the cartridge housing preferably has a ventilation opening.

[0014] Preferably, a gap remains between the free end of the hose and the ventilation opening of the needle module, thus fully preserving the ventilation function of the needle outlet channel. Furthermore, the cartridge receiving opening on the handle should preferably have an engagement element that, when the cartridge is inserted, engages with a slide-in control element of the cartridge to secure the cartridge in the receiving opening against unintentional ejection or slippage. A snap mechanism, for example, can be implemented for this purpose.

[0015] Regarding the secure insertion of the cartridge into the receiving opening, the cartridge should preferably have side walls on its housing, in particular beveled side walls, matching the walls of the receiving opening of the handle, wherein the walls and side walls have a profile, in particular a sliding groove or dovetail profile, whereby the cartridge can be securely inserted into the receiving opening as an insertion element.

[0016] The invention is described in detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, with reference to the following schematic drawings:

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a cartridge according to the invention in a three-dimensional view;

[0018] Figs. 2a)-c) show in different views a handle according to the invention with and without an inserted cartridge; and

[0019] Figures 3a) and 3b) illustrate the internal structure of the grip with and without the cartridge inserted in various cross-sectional views. Reference is made below to all figures, beginning with Figure 1, which shows a three-dimensional view of a cartridge 100 according to the invention and illustrates its structure. The cartridge 100 has a housing 110 and a tubular element 120 connected to it. Thus, the tattooing fluid, in particular ink (see reference numeral T in Figure 3a), located inside the housing, can flow through the tubular element 120 to the free end 121, which in turn projects into the needle module 300 (see Figure 3a), in particular into a ventilation opening 321 provided therein, so that the ink T can flow directly into the needle outlet channel NK. Preferably, a gap SP remains free at the ventilation opening 321, thereby fully preserving its function (ventilation of the needle outlet channel NK).

[0020] To facilitate the flow of ink T from the housing 110, the cartridge housing 110 has a ventilation opening 111, allowing the ink T to flow directly to the needle outlet channel NK or to the needle itself without the use of a pump or similar device.

[0021] The cartridge 100, or rather its housing 110, has a slide-in operating element 115 located on its upper side, which facilitates the insertion of the cartridge 100 into the housing 100, i.e., into a designated receiving opening 210 (see also Fig. 3b). The slide-in operating element 115 functions, firstly, as an operating element with a grip surface to allow the cartridge 100 to be easily inserted into and removed from the handle 200, and secondly, as a locking element to prevent the cartridge 100 from unintentionally sliding out of the handle 200. For this purpose, the slide-in operating element 115 can be designed, for example, to engage a corresponding counterpart on the receiving opening 210 in the form of a snap lock (see Figs. 2a) and 2c)). Both the cartridge 100 and the handle 200 have matching engagement elements, preferably elements for a snap or click connection, as can be seen in particular from Figs. 1, 2 and 3a / b.This ensures reliable securing of the cartridge 100 against unintentional ejection once it is fully inserted (see Fig. 2 or 3a). Furthermore, to facilitate insertion and integral retention of the cartridge 100 in the handle 200, the receiving opening 210 of the handle has two lateral walls W, which are designed to match the two side walls 11 OS of the housing 110 (see Fig. 1 and 2b). For this purpose, the walls W and side walls 11 OS are chamfered to match each other or each has a profile suitable for insertion, in particular a sliding groove or dovetail profile, whereby the cartridge 100 acts as an insertion element and can be easily and securely inserted into the receiving opening 210.

[0022] Figures 2a)-c) illustrate particularly clearly the construction of the handle 200 in conjunction with the insertable cartridge 100; in particular, Figure 2c) illustrates the handle 200 with the cartridge 100 fully inserted:

[0023] As shown in side and frontal views in Figs. 2a / b), the handle 200 is designed as a hollow handle that encloses the needle module 300 in a ring-like manner. This allows the handle to be quickly and easily replaced with a different, more suitable one as needed; the needle module does not need to be detached from the drive (not shown) for this purpose.

[0024] As illustrated in particular by Figures 2a) and 2c), the cartridge 100 can be fully integrated into the handle 200, specifically into the designated receiving opening 210. The overall assembly is very compact and easy to handle. Furthermore, no part of the cartridge 100 protrudes from the handle 200 in a disruptive manner; there are certainly no obtrusive cartridge holders or the like.

[0025] The ink flow can be easily regulated directly at the grip using the adjusting element 225. The functions, particularly regarding cartridge insertion and ink flow, are illustrated in detail in the cross-sectional views shown in Figures 3a) and 3b):

[0026] When the cartridge or its housing 110 is inserted into the handle 200, with the tube at its free end 121 being pushed through the channel 220 in the handle, the ink T can flow from the housing 110, via the tube and its free end 121, into the opening 321 on the needle module 300, without the need for an additional pump or similar device. The ink flow is further facilitated by the vent 111 located at the top of the housing 110. The flow rate or quantity can be regulated by the adjusting screw 225, which changes the effective cross-section of the tube. At the point where the ink T finally flows into the opening 321 on the needle module 300, a gap SP is created, allowing the opening 321 to continue functioning as a vent for the needle outlet channel NK. The ink T is thus metered and precisely directed into the needle outlet channel NK.

[0027] The described invention is primarily suitable for a tattoo machine, but includes all similar applications covered by the scope of the claims.

[0028] Reference symbol list

[0029] 100 replaceable cartridges

[0030] 110 cases

[0031] 11 OS side walls

[0032] 111 Ventilation opening

[0033] 115 Insert control unit

[0034] 120 tubular element

[0035] 121 free ending

[0036] 200 handle

[0037] 210 Cartridge opening for 100

[0038] 220 Channel for the passage of the tubular element 120

[0039] 225 Adjustment element, in particular adjustment screw

[0040] 300 needle module

[0041] 321 Ventilation opening

[0042] Tattoo fluid, especially ink

[0043] NK needle outlet channel

[0044] SP Gap between free end 121 and ventilation opening 321

[0045] W lateral walls of the receiving opening 210

Claims

Patent claims 1. Handle (200) for a tattoo machine, characterized in that the handle (200) is mountable on a needle module (300) of the tattoo machine and is designed to be interchangeable with another such that the mounted handle (200) surrounds the needle module (300) in a ring shape, and that the handle (200) has a receiving opening (210) into which a cartridge (100) can be inserted, the cartridge having a housing (110) designed for filling with a tattooing fluid (T) and designed such that the inserted cartridge (100) is integrally received in the handle (210).

2. Handle (200) for a tattoo machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving opening (210) of the handle (200) has walls matching side walls (11 OS) of the housing (110) of the cartridge (100), wherein the walls and side walls (110S) have a profile, in particular a sliding groove or dovetail profile, whereby the cartridge (100) can be inserted into the receiving opening (210) as an insertion element.

3. Handle (200) for a tattoo machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle (200) has a channel (220) extending from the receiving opening (210) to an end of the handle (200) and through which a tubular element (120) can be passed, which is connected to the interior of the housing (110) of the cartridge (100), wherein the channel (220) extends towards the needle module (300), such that a free end (121) of the tubular element (120) projects into a ventilation opening (321) located on the needle module (300), which leads to the needle outlet channel (NK) of the needle module (300).

4. Handle (200) for a tattoo machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (120) is made of an elastic material and an adjusting element, in particular an adjusting- screw (225), is arranged and acts on the tubular element (120) to change its cross-section.

5. Handle (200) for a tattoo machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving opening (210) has an engagement element which, when the cartridge (100) is integrally received, engages with an insertion control part (115) of the cartridge (100) to secure the cartridge (100) in the receiving opening (210) against unintentional ejection.

6. Cartridge (100) for a tattoo machine, wherein the cartridge (100) is designed for attachment to a handle (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge (100) has a housing (110) designed for filling with a tattoo fluid (T), which is designed such that the inserted cartridge (100) is integrally received in the handle (210).

7. Cartridge (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing (110) has side walls (11 OS) matching walls of the receiving opening (210) of the handle (200), wherein the walls and side walls (11 OS) have a profile, in particular a sliding groove or dovetail profile, whereby the cartridge (100) can be inserted into the receiving opening (210) as an insertion element.

8. Cartridge (100) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the cartridge (100) has a tubular element, in particular a tubular element (120) made of an elastic material, which is connected to the interior of the housing (110) of the cartridge (100), and that a free end (121) of the tubular element (120) is designed to project into a ventilation opening (321) located on the needle module (300), which leads to the needle outlet channel (NK) of the needle module (300).

9. Cartridge (100) according to one of claims 6-8, characterized in that the housing (110) of the cartridge (100) has a ventilation opening (111) exhibits, through which outside air can flow into the interior of the housing (110).

10. Tattoo machine comprising a needle module (300) and a handle (200) according to any one of claims 1-5 and a cartridge (100) according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that the handle (200) is mountable on the needle module (300) of the tattoo machine and is designed to be interchangeable with another such that the mounted handle (200) surrounds the needle module (300) in a ring shape, and that the handle (200) has a receiving opening (210) into which the cartridge (100) can be inserted, wherein the cartridge (100) has a housing (110) designed for filling with a tattoo fluid (T) and is designed such that the inserted cartridge (100) is integrally received in the handle (210).

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