Patent Publication Number: US-2018028799-A1

Title: Housing assembly including cradle assemblies configured to support tattoo machines

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) an apparatus including cradle assemblies configured to respectively receive and support tattoo machines, and a housing assembly positioned relative to the cradle assemblies (and method therefor). 
     BACKGROUND 
     A tattoo machine (also called a tattoo gun) is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a permanent marking of the skin with indelible ink. Modern tattoo machines use electromagnetic coils to move an armature bar up and down. Connected to the armature bar is a barred needle grouping that pushes ink into the skin. Tattoo artists generally use the term “machine”, or even “iron”, to refer to their equipment. The word “gun” is often used but many tattoo professionals dislike it. In addition to the coiled tattoo machines there are also rotary tattoo machines, which are powered by regulated motors rather than electromagnetic coils. 
     SUMMARY 
     It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with the existing tattoo machines (also called the existing technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows: 
     Various tattoo inking tasks need to be performed by a tattoo machine, depending on how deep the ink is to be placed on the skin, etc. In order to satisfy the various inking tasks, the tattoo machine is adjusted for power level (electrical power consumption). What is inconvenient about this arrangement is that the power level of the tattoo machine is adjusted from time to time, thereby wasting time and effort for making such power level adjustments to the tattoo machine, and sometimes, leading to inconsistent results for the tattoo artist (user of the tattoo machine) and an unsatisfied customer (the person receiving the tattoo). 
     What is needed is a plurality of tattoo machines, in which each machine is individually controlled and adjusted for power, such as power set-up, current limits, etc., for a particular inking task to be performed for a selected tattoo machine. However, this may be an expensive arrangement simply because each tattoo machine would require its own dedicated power supply, especially since the tattoo artist can only use one tattoo machine at a time, while the remaining tattoo machines remain idle. To counteract this disadvantage, it would be a good idea to have all of the tattoo machines powered by a single power source. 
     In addition, it may be a good idea to organize and store the tattoo machines that are required to remain idle and ready for easy user access, while a selected tattoo machine is powered and actively used by the tattoo artist. Therefore, it would be a good idea to have a housing assembly that is configured to (A) receive and support the tattoo machines, and (B) selectively connect electrical power to the tattoo machines. It would be a good idea, as well, to disable the electrical power to be provided or connected to the tattoo machines that remain idle, while only the active tattoo machine remains electrically powered. It would also be a good idea to have an arrangement that would accommodate relatively easier cleaning and sanitizing of the housing assembly (or components thereof) for an improved hygienic outcome. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each of the tattoo machines may be individually turned OFF for the case where the user desires to avoid accidentally connecting power to a selected tattoo machine. 
     To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with the existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus includes cradle assemblies configured to respectively receive and support tattoo machines, in which the tattoo machines are configured to be electrically powered. A housing assembly is positioned relative to the cradle assemblies. The housing assembly is configured to selectively provide (connect) electrical power to the tattoo machines, in which the tattoo machines are to be respectively received and supported by the cradle assemblies. The housing assembly is configured to receive and support the cradle assemblies. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the housing assembly is configured to support the tattoo machines. The housing assembly is configured to provide individual power control for each of the tattoo machines, such as power set-up, current limits, etc., that may be required for various tattoo inking tasks to be performed by the tattoo machines. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, pressure switches are configured to disable power to be provided or connected to a selected one of the tattoo machines, in such a way that only the selected one of the tattoo machines is provided with or is connected to electrical power while the remaining tattoo machines remain unpowered. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the cradle assembly is removable from the pressure switch in such a way that the cradle assembly may be sanitized. The pressure switch extends, at least in part, from the housing assembly. The advantage of this embodiment is that the apparatus may be more easily kept hygienic. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each of the tattoo machines may be individually turned OFF for the case where the user desires to avoid accidentally connecting power to a selected tattoo machine. 
     Other aspects are identified in the claims. 
     Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed subject matter, and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus including a combination of cradle assemblies configured to support a respective tattoo machine, and a housing assembly; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIGS. 3 to 6  depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted. 
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS 
     
         
           102  cradle assemblies 
           104  housing assembly 
           106  foot-activated switch 
           108  external power supply 
           110  controller 
           112  power display unit 
           114  power-adjustment switch 
           116  power switch 
           118  pressure switch 
           120  power output 
           122  power-cord input 
           124  power cord 
           126  external power supply cord 
           128  external power supply wire 
           130  external power input 
           132  foot-switch input 
           134  foot-switch wire 
           140  stand-off portion 
           900  tattoo machines 
           902  user 
           903  foot 
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S) 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of may be defined by the claims (in which the claims may be amended during patent examination after filing of this application). For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus including a combination of cradle assemblies  102  configured to support a respective tattoo machine  900  (also called a tattoo gun), and a housing assembly  104 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combination of the cradle assemblies  102  and the housing assembly  104 . The cradle assemblies  102  are configured to respectively receive and support the tattoo machines  900 , in which the tattoo machines  900  are configured to be electrically powered. The housing assembly  104  is positioned relative to the cradle assemblies  102 . The housing assembly  104  is configured to selectively connect electrical power to the tattoo machines  900 , in which the tattoo machines  900  are to be respectively received and supported by the cradle assemblies  102 . The housing assembly  104  is configured to receive and support the cradle assemblies  102 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the housing assembly  104  is configured to support the tattoo machines  900 . The housing assembly  104  is configured to provide individual power control for each of the tattoo machines, such as power set-up, current limits, etc., that may be required for various tattoo inking tasks to be performed by the tattoo machines. 
     In accordance with a specific embodiment, the housing assembly  104  is configured to receive and support the cradle assemblies  102 . This configuration is done in such a way that the cradle assemblies  102  are spaced apart relative to each other once the housing assembly  104 , in use, receives and supports the cradle assemblies  102 . In addition, this configuration is also done in such a way that the tattoo machines  900 , which are respectively received and supported by the cradle assemblies  102 , are spaced apart from each other once: (a) the housing assembly  104 , in use, receives and supports the cradle assemblies  102 , and (b) the cradle assemblies  102 , in use, respectively receive and support the tattoo machines  900 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to the embodiments as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is a quantity of six cradle assemblies  102  that are cooperative with (or installed to or coupled to) the housing assembly  104 . It will be appreciated that other embodiments are arranged such that a quantity of two, three, four, five or more cradle assemblies  102  are cooperative with (installed to) the housing assembly  104 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1 , a user  902  (artist) is depicted as picking up one of the tattoo machines  900  from a selected cradle assembly  102 , while the other tattoo machines  900  remain received by their respective cradle assemblies  102 . 
     Referring to the embodiments as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing assembly  104  includes pressure switches  118  (also called limit switches or position switches). The pressure switches  118  are configured to be interactive with (interfaced with) a respective cradle assembly  102 . 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the pressure switches  118  are configured to disable power to be provided or connected to a selected one of the tattoo machines  900 , in such a way that only the selected one of the tattoo machines  900  is provided with or is connected to electrical power while the remaining tattoo machines  900  remain unpowered. 
     The pressure switches  118  are configured to: (A) detect whether a respective cradle assembly  102  is supporting a respective tattoo machine  900 , and (B) detect whether the respective tattoo machine  900  has been removed from the respective cradle assembly  102 . The pressure switches  118  are configured to retract further into a central interior of the housing assembly  104  in response to the respective cradle assembly  102 , in use, supporting the respective tattoo machine  900 . The pressure switches  118  are configured to extend away from the central interior of the housing assembly  104  in response to the removal of the respective tattoo machine  900  from the respective cradle assembly  102 . 
     For the case where (A) electrical power is connected to the housing assembly  104  (via a power cord  124  or via an external power supply  108 ), and (B) the respective tattoo machine  900  remains received and supported by the respective cradle assembly  102 , the pressure switch  118  is configured to not permit (disconnect) the supply of electrical power to the respective tattoo machine  900 . 
     For the case where (A) electrical power is connected to the housing assembly  104  (via a power cord  124  or via an external power supply  108 ), and (B) the respective tattoo machine  900  is removed from the respective cradle assembly  102 , the pressure switch  118  is configured to permit (connect) the supply of electrical power to the respective tattoo machine  900 . 
     Referring to the embodiments as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and in accordance with an option, the housing assembly  104  further includes a power-cord input  122 . The power-cord input  122  is configured to be connectable with a power cord  124 , which is connectable to an electrical outlet (also called a wall outlet, which is known and not depicted) mounted to a wall, etc. In this manner, the housing assembly  104  may receive electrical power form the power cord  124  that is plugged into the electrical outlet for powering the tattoo machines  900 . 
     Referring to the embodiments as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and in accordance with an option, the housing assembly  104  further includes an external power input  130 . The external power input  130  is configured to be electrically connected to an external power supply wire  128 . The external power supply wire  128  is configured to be electrically connected to an external power supply  108 . In this manner, the housing assembly  104  may receive electrical power from the external power supply  108 , which is used for powering the tattoo machines  900 . An external power supply cord  126  is configured to electrically connect the external power supply  108  to an electrical outlet. An embodiment of the external power supply  108  includes the Model Number PS-C1 power supply (provided by World Wide Tattoo located in British Columbia, Canada). It will be appreciated that in accordance with an embodiment, the housing assembly  104  further includes the combination of the power-cord input  122  and the external power input  130  (for improved powering options). 
     Referring to the embodiments as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing assembly  104  further includes a foot-switch input  132 . The foot-switch input  132  is configured to be electrically connected to a plug of a foot-switch wire  134 . The foot-switch wire  134  is configured to be electrically connected to a foot-activated switch  106 . The foot-activated switch  106  is configured to: (A) turn OFF the electrical power that is provided to a selected one of the tattoo machines  900 , and (B) turn OFF the electrical power in such a way that no electrical power is provided to any one of the tattoo machines  900 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the housing assembly  104  further includes a power display unit  112  for a respective one of the tattoo machines  900  to be respectively received and supported by the cradle assemblies  102 . The power display unit  112  is configured to provide an indication of the amount of power to be provided to a selected one of the tattoo machines  900 . The housing assembly  104  further includes a power-adjustment switch  114  for a respective one of the tattoo machines  900  to be respectively received and supported by the cradle assemblies  102 . The power-adjustment switch  114  is configured to be selectively adjusted by a user in such a way that the amount of power to be consumed by a selected tattoo machine  900  may be adjustable (either relatively higher or lower as may be needed). 
     The housing assembly  104  further includes a power switch  116  (ON/OFF switch) for a respective one of the tattoo machines  900  to be respectively received and supported by the cradle assemblies  102 . The power switch  116  is configured to selectively turn ON or turn OFF power to be made available to a selected one of the tattoo machines  900 . In this manner, each of the tattoo machines  900  can be individually turned OFF for the case where the user desires to avoid accidentally connecting power to a selected tattoo machine  900 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the cradle assemblies  102  are configured to be removable from a respective pressure switch  118 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the housing assembly  104  includes a power output  120 . The power output  120  is configured to be electrically connected to a respective tattoo machine  900 . 
       FIGS. 3 to 6  depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the pressure switch  118  extends from the interior of the housing assembly  104  to an exterior of the housing assembly  104 . The cradle assembly  102  is made to (is positioned to) contact the pressure switch  118  in such a way that the pressure switch  118  receives and supports the cradle assembly  102 , while the cradle assembly  102  receives and supports a respective tattoo machine  900 . The tattoo machine  900  is electrically connected to the power output  120  of the housing assembly  104 . The housing assembly  104  includes a stand-off portion  140  (for contacting a working surface). 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the housing assembly  104  further includes a controller  110 . The controller  110  is electrically connected to the power display unit  112 , the power-adjustment switch  114 , and the power switch  116  (ON/OFF switch). The controller  110  is electrically connected to the power output  120 , in which the power output  120  is configured to be electrically connected to a respective tattoo machine  900 . The controller  110  is configured to be electrically connectable to any one of (A) the power-cord input  122  (which is electrically connected to the power cord  124  as depicted in  FIG. 5 ), and (B) the power output  120  (which is electrically connected to the external power supply  108 ). The controller  110  is electrically connected to the foot-switch input  132 , in which the foot-switch input  132  is configured to be electrically connected to the foot-switch wire  134  of the foot-activated switch  106 . The foot-activated switch  106  may include a simple ON/OFF switch or any equivalent thereof for making (closing) or breaking (opening) a circuit. The foot-activated switch  106  is configured to be (A) closed in response to the foot  903  of the user  902  depressing the foot-activated switch  106 , which, in this case, indicates a power ON request to the controller  110  via the foot-switch wire  134 ), and (B) open in response to the foot  903  of the user  902  not depressing the foot-activated switch  106 , which, in this case, indicates a power OFF request to the controller  110  via the foot-switch wire  134 ). For the case where the foot-activated switch  106  is depressed by the foot  903  of the user  902 , the foot-activated switch  106 , in use, provides a first indication to the controller  110  that the user desires an application of electrical power to be connected to the tattoo machine  900 . For the case where the foot-activated switch  106  is not depressed by the foot  903  of the user  902 , the foot-activated switch  106 , in use, provides a second indication to the controller  110  that the user does not desire the application of electrical power to the tattoo machine  900 . The controller  110  is electrically connected to the pressure switch  118 . The tattoo machine  900  is respectively received and supported by the cradle assembly  102 . 
     The pressure switch  118  detects that the tattoo machine  900  is received and supported by the cradle assembly  102 . The pressure switch  118  is configured to transmit a first signal to the controller  110 , in which the first signal indicates that the tattoo machine  900  is received and supported by the cradle assembly  102 . 
     The controller  110  is configured to not connect electrical power to the tattoo machine  900  for the case where the controller  110  receives the first signal from the pressure switch  118  (for the case where the tattoo machine  900  is received and supported by the cradle assembly  102 ). 
     The pressure switch  118  is configured to detect whether the tattoo machine  900  has become removed from the cradle assembly  102 , and to provide a second signal indicating that the tattoo machine  900  has become removed from the cradle assembly  102 . The pressure switch  118  is configured to detect that the tattoo machine  900  has become removed from the cradle assembly  102 , for the case where the user  902  removes the tattoo machine  900  from the cradle assembly  102 , and away from the housing assembly  104 . The pressure switch  118  is configured to transmit a second signal to the controller  110 , in which the second signal indicates that the tattoo machine  900  has become removed from the cradle assembly  102 . 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the controller  110  is configured to not connect electrical power to the tattoo machine  900  for the case where the controller  110  (A) receives the first signal from the pressure switch  118  (for the case where the tattoo machine  900  is, at least in part, received and supported by the cradle assembly  102 ), and (B) receives the second indication from the foot-activated switch  106  (in which the user  902  does not desire the application of electrical power to the tattoo machine  900 ). 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the controller  110  is configured to connect electrical power to the tattoo machine  900  for the case where the controller  110  (A) receives the second signal from the pressure switch  118  (for the case where the tattoo machine  900  is not received and supported by the cradle assembly  102 ), and (B) receives the first indication from the foot-activated switch  106  (in which the user desires an application of electrical power to be connected to the tattoo machine  900 ). 
     Referring to the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 6 , the cradle assembly  102  is removable from the pressure switch  118  in such a way that the cradle assembly  102  may be sanitized. The pressure switch  118  extends, at least in part, from the housing assembly  104 . The advantage of this embodiment is that the apparatus may be more easily kept hygienic. 
     It will be appreciated that the description and/or drawings identify and describe embodiments of the apparatus (either explicitly or non-explicitly). The apparatus may include any suitable combination and/or permutation of the technical features as identified in the detailed description, as may be required and/or desired to suit a particular technical purpose and/or technical function. It will be appreciated, that where possible and suitable, any one or more of the technical features of the apparatus may be combined with any other one or more of the technical features of the apparatus (in any combination and/or permutation). It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that technical features of each embodiment may be deployed (where possible) in other embodiments even if not expressly stated as such above. It will be appreciated that persons skilled in the art would know that other options would be possible for the configuration of the components of the apparatus to adjust to manufacturing requirements and still remain within the scope as described in at least one or more of the claims. This written description provides embodiments, including the best mode, and also enables the person skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. The patentable scope may be defined by the claims. The written description and/or drawings may help understand the scope of the claims. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.