Tattoo Needle Tube Including a Tattoo Ink Reservoir for Manually Dispensing Tattoo Ink During Tattooing

The present invention teaches a cylindrical tattoo tube which includes an ink reservoir located on one side of the cylinder. A plunger may be included in the ink reservoir to control the amount of ink being dispensed. A user may manually actuate the plunger while tattooing, thereby eliminating the need constantly dip during the tattooing procedure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tattoo tube for holding a reciprocating needle for infusing insoluble ink into human or animal skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional tattoo machines comprise a reciprocating needle that moves up and down to infuse insoluble ink particles into a human's or animal's top layer of skin. In many cases, the needle moves linearly within a tubular or cylindrical tattoo tube or other cylindrical structure that is held in a tattoo artist hand while using the reciprocating needle to tattoo an individual. The reciprocating needle typically punctures the skin at a high rate of frequency during the tattooing process.

To facilitate tattooing, tattoo machine needles are installed in the artist's tattoo machine and dipped in ink, which adheres to the tip of the needle. Subsequently, the tattoo machine induces an up-and-down motion of the needle to puncture the top layer of the individual's skin and drive insoluble particles of ink into the dermal layer of skin.

Unfortunately, intricate or large tattoos require a significant amount of time to complete, because the artist must stop tattooing to reapply ink to the needle. This means the needle is removed from the skin when it is dipped. This, in turn, will extend the time for tattooing is dramatically.

The repeated dipping is a disadvantage for both the individual being tattooed and the tattoo artist. While, the tattoo artist would prefer to shorten the time for tattoos to make room for more customers, the customers prefer to decrease the time the experience discomfort while being tattooed. Consequently, what is needed is an apparatus and method that reduces the tattoo time, thereby freeing the tattoo artist to perform more tattoos. Such an apparatus and method would additionally reduce the time that the individual being tattooed would have to sit for the tattoo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus, and method for using the apparatus, are disclosed which include various aspects not found in the prior art. According to one aspect of the invention, a cylindrical tattoo tube is claimed for holding and guiding a reciprocating needle during a tattooing procedure. The cylindrical tattoo tube of the present invention includes a cavity formed in its outer surface for use in storing ink that will be used to tattoo the skin.

In one aspect, the tattoo tube includes tattoo ink included thereon which, the tattoo artist may access to provide the ink to the point of a reciprocating needle. The tattoo tube permits freedom of movement of the reciprocating needle, and permits the artist to provide ink to the needle point without the need for the tattoo artist to repeatedly dip the needle in an ink source. In another aspect, the apparatus disclosed includes a means for storing tattoo ink on the tattoo tube before tattooing. The means for storing is being done a manner that permits the tattoo artist to manually actuate provide ink to the needle point.

According to the various embodiments of the invention, the cylindrical tattoo tube may include one (or multiple) ink reservoirs for receiving ink to be used for tattooing. The ink reservoir may include an opening for the tattoo artist to include a desired ink therein. The reservoir may further include a channel for transporting the ink from the ink reservoir to a channel exit, wherein the channel exit is located distant from and opposite to the ink reservoir opening, and wherein the channel exit may be proximate to the needle point. In this way, the ink may be delivered to the point of the needle

In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus is a cylindrical tattoo tube that allows the tattoo artist to provide multiple different inks to the tattoo site, with each separate ink being included independently of each other. In another aspect, ink may be included in ink capsules, wherein each ink is included in its own capsule. In another aspect of the invention one or more ink capsules may be affixed to the outer surface of the tattoo tube. In still another aspect, multiple ink reservoirs are formed integral to the outer surface of the tattoo tubes. I still another aspect, the tattoo tube may include multiple distinct cavities for including distinct ink capsules therein. are In yet another aspect, multiple ink capsules may be rotatably affixed to the outer surface of the tattoo tube. According to various aspects of the invention, the tattoo artist may select which of the different ink sources may be used at a given time, by for example, manually rotating the ink sources around the tattoo tube central axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is described with reference to tattooing, and more particularly, with reference to tattooing with an insoluble ink. However, the invention contemplates using any suitable liquid for tattooing. As such, the terms “ink” and “liquid” may be used interchangeably herein. Further, conventional tattooing procedures are well known and may not be described herein for the sake of brevity. Additionally, the communication of one element to another element, or the communication of one element with another element, as described herein or indicated in the figures, may be physical connections. Further still, the connections may be direct or indirect connections as required to achieve the object and aspects of this invention. Even further, although the tattoo tube is described as cylindrical, the tattoo tube may be any shape permitting the tattoo tube to be held by hand.

FIG.1shows an exemplary side view of a preferred embodiment of a cylindrical tattoo tube100according to various aspects of the present invention. As shown, cylindrical tattoo tube100includes a cylindrical body102. Cylindrical body102further includes a longitudinal passageway104proceeding through cylindrical body102, wherein longitudinal passageway is proximate to cylindrical body102central axis. During use of the invention a conventional tattooing needle106may be included through longitudinal passageway104, such that the needle point108of needle106protrudes out longitudinal passageway104at a longitudinal passageway exit way118. When needle point108protrudes in this manner, the needle point108may be placed in contact with an individual's skin during tattooing.

Cylindrical body102further includes a cavity110(also called an ink reservoir110, herein) for receiving an ink chosen by the tattoo artist for use in tattooing. Ink reservoir110may be distinct from cylindrical body102. In an alternate embodiment, ink reservoir110may be made integral to cylindrical body102. In yet another exemplary embodiment, ink reservoir110may be formed in the outer surface of cylindrical body102. I still another embodiment, Ink reservoir110is in such proximity to cylindrical body102that it may be held within a tattoo artists hand when tattooing as described more fully below.

Ink reservoir110may include an ink reservoir opening112for allowing the ink to be added to, poured in, or injected into ink reservoir110. In a typical sense, the ink would be added to ink reservoir110through ink reservoir open112prior to placing the needle point onto the individual's skin.

Ink reservoir110may further include a reservoir channel114for transporting the ink that has been added to ink reservoir110to longitudinal passageway exit way118. Reservoir channel114may be in physical communication with the ink reservoir110. That is, ink that enters ink reservoir110may be transported to longitudinal passageway exit way118via reservoir channel114. More particularly, the ink would be transported from ink reservoir110through channel114and out reservoir channel exit way116.

Reservoir channel exit way116permits the ink that has been placed in ink reservoir110and transported from the ink reservoir110through the reservoir channel114, to be deposited out reservoir channel exit way116. In preferred embodiments of the invention, reservoir channel exit way116may be in proximity to the longitudinal passageway exit way118, such that the ink that exits reservoir channel exit way116is placed in contact with needle point108at longitudinal passageway exit way118.

A plunger120may be included in ink reservoir opening112of ink reservoir110to facilitate the transport of the ink from ink reservoir110through reservoir channel114and out reservoir channel exit way116. As used herein, plunger120may be any manually actuated device that may be inserted into reservoir opening112for forcing the ink from ink reservoir110into reservoir channel114. In preferred embodiments, plunger120operates by displacing the volume of the ink in the ink reservoir110with the mass of plunger120. This action thereby forces the ink into reservoir channel114and out reservoir channel exit way116.

Occasionally, the tattoo artist will need to clean his needle, such as when the artist is changing the color of the ink. The tattoo artist may want to wipe or rinse needle106or needle point108to remove remnants of a prior used ink. Cylindrical body102may include a cleaning aperture117(i.e., a tattoo tube wash out117) (see, also,FIG.10) along longitudinal passageway104. In one exemplary embodiment, cleaning aperture117is located along longitudinal passageway104and in proximity to needle point108. Aperture117provides a tattoo artist access to clean needle106and or needle point108.

As noted, in some instances, the tattoo artist may desire to clean his needle point108. To facilitate this, as shown with brief reference toFIG.10, cylindrical tattoo tube cylindrical body102may include multiple cleaning apertures117(e.g., wash outs117) positioned in proximity to needle point108. Cylindrical body apertures117may provide access to needle106near needle point108to allow the tattoo artist to wipe, clean or rinse the needle and needle point108.

FIG.2shows an exemplary top view of a preferred embodiment of cylindrical tattoo tube100according to various embodiments of the present invention. As shown, cylindrical body102includes longitudinal passageway104in which a needle106may be inserted. In the embodiment shown, plunger120is shown included in reservoir opening112. Consequently,FIG.2depicts the top portion of the plunger120positioned alongside cylindrical body102. In this position, an artist may manual actuate the plunger120, thereby dispensing ink into reservoir channel114(described more fully with respect toFIGS.6and10). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plunger120may be adjacent to cylindrical body102. In another exemplary embodiment, plunger120may be positioned parallel, or substantially parallel with, the longitudinal axis of, cylindrical body102. In another exemplary embodiment, the orientation of the plunger120and the cylindrical body102may be such that the plunger120and the central axis of cylindrical body102form an acute angle.

FIG.3shows an exemplary top view of a preferred embodiment of cylindrical tattoo tube100according to various embodiments of the invention, wherein needle106and plunger120is depicted removed from cylindrical tattoo tube100. As shown, ink reservoir110(ink cavity110) includes an opening112at a first end of ink reservoir110for inserting plunger120. Ink reservoir110further includes a channel exit way115positioned substantially opposite ink reservoir opening112.

Ink exit way115may be in further communication with reservoir channel114. Ink that traverses from ink exit way115enters into reservoir channel114. Reservoir channel114may be in communication with channel exit way116. Ink that traverses from ink exit way115into reservoir channel114may further exit from channel exit way116such that the ink may be placed in proximity to needle point108. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the ink that traverses from ink exit way115into reservoir channel114may further exit from channel exit way116such that the ink may be placed in contact with needle point108.

Cylindrical tattoo tube100may further include a longitudinal passageway opening119at a first end of longitudinal passageway104. Needle opening119may be formed to receive tattoo needle106therein. Cylindrical tattoo tube100may further include a longitudinal passageway opening118formed at a second end of longitudinal passageway104. In one exemplary embodiment, longitudinal passageway opening118is formed on longitudinal passageway104on an opposite end of the passage way to where longitudinal passageway opening119is formed. In another exemplary embodiment, the first end of longitudinal passageway104is positioned substantially opposite the second end of longitudinal passage way104. In still another embodiment of cylindrical tattoo tube100, longitudinal passageway opening118is formed adjacent to channel exit way116. In still another embodiment of cylindrical tattoo tube102, longitudinal passageway opening118is formed substantially adjacent to channel exit way116.

FIG.4depicts cylindrical tattoo tube100according to various embodiments of the invention, as one would view it from the bottom. As shown, cylindrical tattoo tube body102includes ink reservoir110positioned adjacent to cylindrical tattoo tube body102. In another exemplary embodiment, ink reservoir110is made integral to cylindrical tattoo tuber body102.

Cylindrical tattoo tube100may further include reservoir channel114, which is in communication with ink reservoir110. In another exemplary embodiment, reservoir channel114may be in further communication with channel exit way116. During operation, tattoo ink that is contained in ink reservoir110may be provided to reservoir channel114. The ink provided to reservoir channel114may then be provided to channel exit way116.

FIG.4further depicts longitudinal passageway104positioned substantially parallel to the cylindrical tattoo tube body102. Longitudinal passageway104may further include longitudinal passageway exit way118. As shown, needle point108may be substantially central to longitudinal passageway exit way118. In another exemplary embodiment, channel exit way116may be positioned in proximity to longitudinal passageway exit way118.

As noted, a plunger120may be used with various embodiments of the invention.FIGS.5A-5Cdepict a typical plunger120that may be used with the present invention,FIG.54depicts plunger120in perspective view,FIG.5Bdepicts plunger120in side view, andFIG.5Cdepicts plunger120from a top view. As shown, plunger120may include a plunger flange113at a first end. Plunger flange113may be formed such that it may be actuated by a human finger. For example, plunger flange113may be configured to be pressed by a human thumb. Plunger flange113may further include a plunger shaft121that is affixed to plunger flange113. In one exemplary embodiment, plunger shaft121may be affixed to the central mass of plunger flange113. Plunger120may further include a plunger head123positioned opposite plunger flange113. Plunger head123may be formed in communication with plunger shaft121. In one exemplary embodiment, the elements of plunger120are formed integral to another. In yet another embodiment, the elements of plunger120may form a single unitary component.

In one exemplary embodiment plunger120may be placed inside ink reservoir110for displacing the ink placed by the artist in ink reservoir110. In another exemplary embodiment, plunger120may be inserted in ink reservoir110prior to the artist filling ink reservoir110with the tattoo ink. In the embodiment shown inFIG.6, cylindrical tattoo tube body102may include ink reservoir110this is empty. By empty, what is meant is that ink reservoir110does not include tattoo ink therein, or that ink reservoir110is substantially free of tattoo ink.

In one exemplary embodiment, plunger120may be placed in the empty ink reservoir110such that substantially all air is removed from the ink reservoir110. The air is removed from ink reservoir110by placing plunger120inside ink reservoir opening112, and pushing plunger120the length of ink reservoir110toward channel exit way116. The tattoo artist may then place reservoir channel exit way116in contact with an external ink source (not shown). Ink may then be draw into ink reservoir110from the external ink source by slowing drawing plunger120back toward in reservoir opening112In this case. The ink from the external ink source is drawn through the reservoir channel exit way116, into reservoir channel114, and into ink reservoir110.

FIG.7depicts the result of the action of drawing the ink from the reservoir using the plunger120, as is described inFIG.6. As noted, plunger120may be drawn toward in reservoir opening112. However, plunger120is not drawn through the reservoir opening112. In this way, the artist may be able to fill ink reservoir110with the ink provided by the external ink source.

FIG.10shows an exemplary side view of a preferred embodiment of cylindrical tattoo tube100according to various aspects of the present invention. As shown, cylindrical body102includes longitudinal passageway104having longitudinal passageway exit way118, through which needle point108protrudes. Reservoir channel exit way116may be placed in proximity to longitudinal passageway exit way118. Further still, reservoir channel114may be in communication with reservoir channel exit way116and ink reservoir110to facilitate transport of the ink from ink reservoir114to reservoir channel exit way116. As noted, during operation, plunger120(shown inFIGS.1and2) may be manual actuation by a tattoo artist to force ink from ink reservoir110through reservoir channel114and out reservoir channel exit116.

FIG.8shows cylindrical tube100of present invention in a typical environment in which it may be used. For example, during a typical tattooing session, a tattoo artist may grasp cylindrical tattoo tube100by hand having finger402. More particularly, fingers402of the tattoo artist would wrap substantially around cylindrical body102to permit the artist to maintain a firm grim during tattooing. The present invention eliminates the need for the tattoo artist to repeatedly dip his tattoo needle in an ink source during the procedure since the ink source for the procedure would be contained in ink reservoir110. As described below, when the tattoo artist is ready to apply a desired ink to an individual's skin, the ink may be dispensed from the ink reservoir110through the reservoir channel114and out of the reservoir channel exit way116by forcing the plunger120into the ink filled ink reservoir110using, for example, an artist's thumb404.

More particularly,FIG.9shows an exemplary method500of using the cylindrical tattoo tube100according to the invention. According to an exemplary method of use, prior to beginning his tattooing procedure, the tattoo artist would fill the ink reservoir110through ink reservoir opening112with the ink the tattoo artist desires for the procedure (Step502). After filling the ink in ink reservoir110, the artist would then include plunger120into the ink reservoir opening112(Step504). In a preferred embodiment, the plunger would be placed on the top surface of the ink in the ink reservoir110.

When the tattoo artist is ready to begin the tattooing procedure, the tattoo artist may transport the ink from the ink reservoir110, through ink reservoir channel114and out reservoir channel exit116, so that the ink may contact the needle point108. The tattoo artist facilitates the movement of the ink to needle point108by manually actuating the plunger120using, for example, the tattoo artist's thumb404(or other digit) (Step506). The tattoo artist may control the amount of the ink dispensed by regulating the amount of manual pressure placed on the plunger120. Higher downward pressure on plunger120may result in a higher volume of ink being transported to exit116and contacting needle point108, while less pressure would result in a lower volume of ink being presented to needle point108.

Once the tattoo artist has dispensed the desired amount of ink to needle point108, the tattoo artist may place the needle point108in contact with the individual's skin, and begin his tattooing procedure (Step508). If the tattoo artist needs to use additional ink in his procedure (Step510), the artist may repeat steps506through step508until the procedure is ended or the ink in ink reservoir110has been substantially or completely used. That is, the tattoo artist may manually press the plunger further into ink reservoir110causing the desired amount of ink to come in contact with the needle point108, as described above. The tattoo artist may thereby continue his tattooing procedure without the need to stop and dip needle point108in a separate ink source. The ink source is included with the cylindrical tattoo tube according to various embodiments of the invention. Thus, the tattoo artist can continue his tattooing procedure until the tattooing procedure is completed, or the artist needs to change the ink in ink reservoir110. In other embodiments described herein, the artist may use this procedure when using a cylindrical tattoo tube with multiple ink reservoirs, which is described more fully below.

In some instances, whether the artist uses a tattoo tube including one or multiple ink reservoirs, the artist may find that his desired ink reservoir is empty (Step512). In such a case, the artist may refill the reservoir (Step514), include the plunger and tattoo his subject according to steps506-510. If the ink reservoir is not empty (Step512), the tattoo artist may simply actuate the plunger to dispense the desired in (Step506). The artist may then continue tattooing as described with respect to steps508-514.

FIG.11shows an exemplary side view of another preferred embodiment of a cylindrical tattoo tube600according to various aspects of the present invention. As shown, cylindrical tattoo tube600includes a cylindrical body602. Cylindrical body602further includes a longitudinal passageway604proceeding through cylindrical body602. The longitudinal passageway604may be located proximate to axis of the cylindrical body602. A conventional tattooing needle106may be included through the longitudinal passageway604, such that the needle point108of needle106protrudes out a longitudinal passageway exit way618of longitudinal passageway604. A tattoo artist may then be able to use needle point108for tattooing an individual's skin in similar manner as was described with cylindrical tattoo tube100.

Cylindrical body602further includes multiple ink reservoirs610A and610B for receiving ink for tattooing. In one exemplary embodiment, multiple ink reservoirs610A and610B are positioned equal distant from the aperture117. In another exemplary embodiment, multiple ink reservoirs610A and610B are parallel to the cylindrical body102central axis. The ink received by reservoir610A may be the same ink or different ink than is received by reservoir610B. The ink reservoir610A may include an ink reservoir opening612A for allowing a first ink to be added to, poured in, or injected into, the ink reservoir610A. The ink may be added to ink reservoir610A through the ink reservoir opening612A. Similarly, ink reservoir610B may include an ink reservoir opening612B for allowing a second ink to be added to, poured in, or injected into, the ink reservoir through the ink reservoir opening612B. The ink may be added to ink reservoirs through the openings610A or610B prior to placing the needle point108onto the individual's skin.

Ink reservoir610A may further include a reservoir channel614A for transporting the ink that has been added to ink reservoir610A. Reservoir channel614A may be in physical communication with reservoir610A, for receiving the transported ink from ink reservoir610A. Reservoir channel614A may further include a reservoir channel exit way616A that permits the ink that has been placed in reservoir610A to be transported from ink reservoir610A and then transported through reservoir channel614A and out a reservoir channel exit way616A. In preferred embodiments of the invention, reservoir channel exit way616A may be in proximity to a longitudinal passageway exit way618, such that ink that exits the reservoir channel exit way616A is placed in contact with needle point108at longitudinal passageway exit way618.

Ink reservoir610B may further include a reservoir channel614B for transporting the ink that has been added to the ink reservoir610B. Reservoir channel614B may be in physical communication with the reservoir610B, for receiving the transported ink from ink reservoir-610B. Reservoir channel614B may further include a reservoir channel exit way616B that permits the ink that has been placed in reservoir610B to be transported from ink reservoir610B and then transported through reservoir channel614B and out a reservoir channel exit way616B. In preferred embodiments of the invention, reservoir channel exit way616B may be in proximity to a longitudinal passageway exit way618, such that ink that exits the reservoir channel exit way616B may be placed in contact with needle point108at longitudinal passageway exit way618. In some embodiments, reservoir channel exit way616A may be located in proximity to reservoir channel exit way616B. Alternatively, reservoir channel exit way616A may be located opposite to, or substantially opposite, reservoir channel exit616B. Even further, reservoir channel exit way616amay be located adjacent to reservoir channel exit616B.

A plunger620A may be included ink inside ink reservoir610A as is described with respect to plunger120and ink reservoir110above. Plunger620A may be useful to facilitate the transport of the ink from reservoir610A through the reservoir channel614A and out the reservoir channel exit way616A. As used herein, a plunger620A may be a manually actuated device for forcing the ink from reservoir610A into reservoir channel614A. In preferred embodiments plunger620A operates by displacing the volume of the ink in reservoir610A with the mass of plunger620A. This action thereby forces the ink into reservoir channel614A and out the reservoir channel exit way616A.

Similarly a plunger620B may be included ink inside ink reservoir610B as is described with respect to plunger120and ink reservoir110above. As used herein, plunger620B may be a manually actuated device for forcing the ink from reservoir610B into reservoir channel614B. In preferred embodiments plunger620B operates by displacing the volume of the ink in reservoir610bwith the mass of plunger620B. This action thereby forces the ink into reservoir channel614band out reservoir channel exit way616B.

FIG.12shows an exemplary top view of a preferred embodiment of cylindrical tattoo tube600according to various aspects of the present invention. As shown, cylindrical body602includes longitudinal passageway604in which needle606is inserted. Cylindrical body602may include multiple plungers602A and602B. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, plungers602A and602B may be located adjacent to cylindrical body602. In another exemplary embodiment, plungers620A and620B may be positioned parallel, or substantially parallel with, the longitudinal axis of cylindrical body602. In another exemplary embodiment, one of plunger620A or620B and the longitudinal axis of cylindrical body602

FIG.13shows an exemplary bottom view of a preferred embodiment of cylindrical tattoo tube600according to various aspects of the present invention. As shown, cylindrical body602includes longitudinal passageway604having longitudinal passageway exit way618, through which needle point108protrudes. Reservoir channel exit way616A may be placed in proximity to longitudinal passageway exit way618. Further still, reservoir channel614A may be in communication with reservoir channel exit way616A and ink reservoir610A. As noted, during operation, plunger620amay be manual actuation by a tattoo artist to force ink from ink reservoir610A through reservoir channel614A and out reservoir channel exit616A.

Reservoir channel exit way616B may be placed in proximity to longitudinal passageway exit way618. Further still, reservoir channel614bmay be in communication with reservoir channel exit way616B and ink reservoir610B. As noted, during operation, plunger620B may be manual actuation by a tattoo artist to force ink from ink reservoir610bthrough reservoir channel614B and out reservoir channel exit616B.

FIG.14shows cylindrical tattoo tube600of the present invention in a typical environment in which it may be used. For example, during a typical tattooing session, a tattoo artist would grasp cylindrical tattoo tube600by hand. More particularly, fingers402of the tattoo artist's hand400would wrap substantially around cylindrical body602to permit the artist to maintain a firm grip of cylindrical tattoo tube600during tattooing.

The present invention eliminates the need for the tattoo artist to repeatedly dip his tattoo needle point in his ink source during the procedure since the ink for the procedure would be contained in ink reservoirs610A and610B. Additionally, when the cylindrical tattoo tube of present invention includes multiple ink reservoirs, the present invention eliminates the need to exchange a first ink that is in an ink reservoir, for a second ink that the artists may wish to use. When the tattoo artist is ready to apply a second desired ink to an individual's skin, the artist need only rotate the cylindrical tattoo tube so that the tattoo artist's thumb may actuate the plunger corresponding to the desired ink.

For example, a tattoo artist may begin tattooing using a first ink in ink reservoir610A. The first ink may be dispensed from the ink reservoir610A through the reservoir channel614A and out of the reservoir channel exit way616A by forcing the plunger620A into the ink filled ink reservoir610A using an artist's thumb404. When the artist wishes to use a second ink in ink reservoir610B, the artist may rotate cylindrical tattoo tube600to enable the artist's thumb to actuate plunger620b. In that way, the desired ink may be dispensed from the ink reservoir610B through reservoir channel614band out of reservoir channel exit way616B by forcing the plunger620B into the ink filled ink reservoir610B again using an artist's thumb404. In all other respects, the way in which cylindrical tattoo tube600is used in tattooing is similar in manner as was described with respect to the use of cylindrical tattoo tube100with respect toFIG.9.

As previously noted, in one exemplary embodiment, multiple ink reservoirs610A and610B are positioned equal distant one from the other. As shown inFIG.15, ink reservoirs610A and610B may be positioned on cylindrical body602, wherein ink reservoir610A is substantially adjacent to the ink reservoir610B along cylindrical body602medial line, where the medial line is drawn co-axially with the longitudinal axis of cylindrical body602. In one exemplary embodiment, ink reservoir610A may be comprised of a different volume than ink reservoir610B. That is, ink reservoir610A by be more voluminous than ink reservoir610B.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the tattoo artist may provide tattoo ink to a tattoo needle using an ink capsule containing a desired tattoo ink.FIGS.16-19depict an exemplary ink capsule800used according to the present invention. As shown inFIG.16, ink capsule800may include a hallow cylindrical body802. Capsule cylindrical body802may include a capsule opening804at a first end. Capsule cylindrical body802may further include a tapered end806on a capsule cylindrical body second end803. The widest end of the tapered end806is in communication with the cylindrical body second end803. The narrowest end of the tapered end806may include a tapered end opening808. Capsule800may further include a plunger120of similar construction and operation as is described with respect toFIG.5.

As shown inFIG.17, plunger120may be inserted in capsule opening804and pushed the length of capsule cylindrical body802from capsule opening804to capsule tapered end806. In this way, air that existed in capsule cylindrical body802prior to insertion of plunger120is substantially pushed out tapered end opening808. Tapered end opening808may be placed in communication with an ink source (not shown) for providing tattoo ink to capsule cylindrical body. For example,FIG.18depicts ink capsule800, wherein capsule tapered end806has been placed in contact with an external ink source and plunger120has been drawn the length of capsule800from tapered end806toward capsule opening804. In the depiction shown, plunger120has been pulled from its position in the proximity of tapered end806to capsule opening804such that ink is drawn into capsule body802.

In one exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG.19, ink capsule800may be configured to be placed in or positioned inside any of the ink cavity or ink reservoirs described herein. For example, with reference to cylindrical tattoo tube600, ink capsule800may be configured to fit within ink reservoir610a, or ink reservoir610b, depending on which embodiment is in use.

Although the description is exemplary of placing ink capsule800into ink reservoir610aand610b, the description applies to the instance where ink capsule800is inserted into ink reservoir110. That is, where ink capsule800is configured to be placed or positioned within ink reservoir610a, ink capsule800tapered end opening808may be configured to communicate with reservoir channel614a. In such instance, ink that is in ink reservoir channel614amay be provided to ink capsule800via tapered end opening808by, for example, pulling plunger120from tapered end806toward ink capsule opening804. In this way, the suction created when the plunger is pulled draws the ink from ink reservoir channel614a, through ink capsule opening804into the tapered end806and further into capsule cylindrical body802. Similarly, ink that is in ink capsule800may be provided to reservoir channel614aby, for example, pushing plunger120from a position at ink capsule opening804toward tapered end806. In this way, ink that is in capsule cylindrical body802in forced into tapered end806. The pushing action of the plunger120may further push the ink from tapered end806through tapered end opening808and into reservoir channel614a.

Similarly, as shown inFIG.19, ink capsule800may be configured to be placed in or positioned within ink reservoir610B, ink capsule800tapered end opening808may be configured to communicate with reservoir channel614B. In such instance, ink that is in ink reservoir channel614B may be provided to ink capsule800via tapered end opening808by, for example, pulling plunger120from tapered end806toward ink capsule opening804. In this way, the suction created when the plunger is pulled draws the ink from ink reservoir channel614A, through ink capsule opening804into the tapered end806and further into capsule cylindrical body802. Similarly, ink that is in ink capsule800may be provided to reservoir channel614B by, for example, pushing plunger120from a position at ink capsule opening804toward tapered end806. In this way, ink that is in capsule cylindrical body802in forced into tapered end806. The pushing action of the plunger120may further push the ink from tapered end806through tapered end opening808and into reservoir channel614B.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, ink capsule800may be used in conjunction with a prior art tube701, for example, such as is depicted inFIG.20. In this instance, ink capsule800may be affixed to the exterior surface of prior art tube701. In one exemplary embodiment ink capsule800may be removably affixed to the exterior surface of prior art tube701.

FIG.20depicts an exemplary prior art tattoo tube701that may be used with the present invention. As shown, prior art tattoo tube700may include a hollow cylindrical body703and a first prior art tube open end707for inserting a tattoo needle. Prior art tattoo tube701may include a prior art tube tapered end709positioned on the prior art tube701lateral axis. Prior art tube tapered end709may be positioned on the opposite end of prior art tube cylindrical body703. Prior art tube tapered end709may further include a prior art tube tapered end opening711configured such that a tattoo needle inserted in prior art tube opening707may protrude through prior art tube tapered end opening711. Prior art tube tapered end709may further include a prior art tube washout713for providing access to a needle protruding through prior art tube tapered end opening711.

As noted, ink capsules800may be affixed to the exterior surface of a prior art tube cylindrical body703. In one exemplary embodiment shown inFIG.21, ink capsules800may be affixed to prior art tube cylindrical body703using an ink capsule restraint704. With brief reference toFIG.22, ink capsule restraint704suitable for use with the present invention is depicted prior art tube cylindrical body703.

Ink capsule restraint704may be shaped to substantially encircle prior art tube cylindrical body703. That is, ink capsule restraint704may include capsule holding portions717which are configured to the outer surface of capsule800. In one exemplary embodiment, ink capsules800may be oval in shape. In such an instance, ink capsule800may include a capsule opening of similar construction as capsule opening808. Capsule restraint704may comprise a strap706for holding in capsules800in physical abutment with cylindrical body703. In one exemplary embodiment, capsule restraint704may be held securely to the outer surface of prior art tube cylindrical body703using a fastener710.

Strap706may be comprised of metal, plastic, rubber or other material suitable for affixing capsules800to cylindrical body703. As shown, capsule restraint704may include a restraint fastener710for ensuring that ink capsules800remain removably affixed to the prior out tube cylindrical body703outer surface. In one exemplary embodiment, strap706is elongated. As such, strap706may be used to encircle ink capsules800against the outer surface of cylindrical tube body703. Strap706maintains ink capsules800in abutment with cylindrical tube body using restraint fastener710. That is, a first end of elongated strap706may be fastened to a second end of elongated strap706using a suitable fastener710, such as, as screw, rivet, snap or the like.

With reference again toFIG.19, ink capsule opening808may be configured to communicate with prior art tube wash out713using an ink tube716(shown inFIG.23). Ink tube706, for receiving ink contained in ink capsule800. In an alternate embodiment, ink tube716may be configured to communicate with ink capsule opening808for providing ink to ink capsule800via ink capsule opening808. Ink tube716may be comprised of any suitable material for transporting liquid, such as, ink. Ink tube716may be plastic, rubber or the like. In one exemplary embodiment, ink tube716may be made integral to ink capsule800.

As noted, ink tube716may be in further communication with prior art tube washout713. In one exemplary embodiment, ink tube716may be in communication with prior art tube washout713for providing ink therein. In yet another exemplary embodiment, ink tube716may be in communication with an ink tube band714positioned in proximity to prior art tube washout713. With reference toFIG.24, Ink band714may be constructed of similar material as was described above with respect to strap706. The ink tube band714may encircle prior art tube tapered end709. In another exemplary embodiment, ink tube band714may include a fastener720for ensuring ink tube band714remains removably affixed to prior art tube tapered end709. Fastener720may be of similar construction as fastener710. In yet another exemplary embodiment, an ink tube band fastener720for ensuring that ink tube band714remains removable affixed to prior art tapering end709.

Ink tube band714may include projections708for accepting one end of the end of the ink tube716positioned opposite ink capsule opening808. In one exemplary embodiment, projections708may be configured such that ink tube716may be affixed thereto. In addition, projections708may include an ink band canal formed through ink tube band714for permitting ink that is contained in ink tube716to flow freely from ink tube716to prior art tube washout713. In other exemplary embodiment, ink tube706may be of sufficient length such that it is positioned through the washout713such that the ink tube716provides ink to prior art tube tapered end opening711.

With return reference toFIG.21, ink capsule800is shown in communication with ink tube706. As shown, tapered end806includes tapered end opening808which is further connected to ink tube706. With reference toFIG.24, what is shown is ink tube716connected to ink tube band714. Further, what is shown is that ink tube716may be affixed to projections708for providing ink to washout713via ink band aperture705.

It should be noted that various embodiments of the invention are described with respect to the individual elements of the invention being formed of one piece. However, it is contemplated that the present invention may have elements that are detachable, such as, the plunger or ink reservoir. Further still, such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention.