Patent Publication Number: US-2015060308-A1

Title: Palette of Ink Caps

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of artistry and more particularly relates to a palette of ink caps for use in arts such as tattooing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Currently in the field of tattooing, an artist uses a reciprocating needle to inject ink into the skin of a subject in order to achieve the image desired by the subject. Ink is placed in a reservoir of a needle, which is then used to repeatedly poke holes in a subject&#39;s skin. The ink then fills and, essentially, dyes the lower skin layers. During the procedure, extra ink is stored in structures known as “ink caps” which are, often times, caps from the ends of pipes. The ink caps are essentially cylindrical or frusto-conical hollow structures that serve as wells for extra ink. It is intended that after use the user would dispose of used ink caps in an effort to maintain a sterile environment for successive customers. These caps are positioned on a surface and usually secured by some form of ointment which serves as an adhesive. This process can take a significant amount of time. Also, unfortunately, the ointment, usually a petroleum jelly, does not secure the caps very well and over the course of extensive tattoos there is an increased chance of tipping, spilling and other accidents ( FIGS. 1-6 ). Palettes have been made holding these caps, but this is then an extra structure in the area in which a subject is getting tattooed, which can generate a sterilization risk. 
     The present invention is a palette for use in any situation where separate paints of inks are desired. It has particular application in the field of tattooing. The palette is a conjoined set of ink caps which may be cut to desired capacity. Being conjoined, the ink caps are less likely to tip, fall or spill their contents and, when adhered to a surface with ointment, the synergy of the multiple caps creates a more stable storage surface. 
     The present invention represents a departure from the prior art in that the palette of the present invention allows for selective multiple ink caps to be used in a given artistic application without the need of additional stabilization structure and for a more rapid set-up. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of ink palettes, this invention provides a cost-effective palette solution. As such, the present invention&#39;s general purpose is to provide a new and improved ink palette that is easily adapted for different applications, cost effective to manufacture and capable of providing a superior hold to a surface for increased stability. 
     To accomplish these objectives, the ink palette comprises a plurality of ink caps that are conjoined into a matrix. The matrix of ink caps may then be cut to a desired size and capacity due to color selection. In the case of a tattoo artist, the palette is then positioned and secured to a surface with the use of an adhesive, like petroleum jelly. Small indentations, which may be a design like a logo, create an uneven surface which aid in the securement of the palette. The use of a matrix not only provides a more stable arrangement for the ink caps, it also greatly reduces the time needed to prepare the work surface and materials. 
     The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow. 
     Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-6  are a series of perspective views detailing the state of the prior art. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a palette embodying the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the palette of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the palette of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIGS. 10-13  are a series of perspective views detailing the method using the new palette according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the ink palette is herein described. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-6 , the prior art shows a plurality of individual ink caps and the work surface being prepared ( FIG. 1 ) by an artist applying a daub  4  of a mild adhesive, usually a petroleum jelly or similar substance, to the surface. An ink cap  2  is placed into the daub  4  ( FIG. 2 ) and removed, coating its bottom surface ( FIG. 3 ). The ink cap is then placed on the surface ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) and the process repeated until all of the caps are adhered ( FIG. 6 ) and then the individual caps are filled with an ink or other similar pigment medium. Unfortunately, the order of the ink caps  2  shown in  FIG. 6  does not remain throughout the process of using the ink. The caps are individually adhered and, as the adhesive is mild, are frequently individually tipped or otherwise displaced, possibly even disturbing adjacent ink caps and creating a mess of the work surface. 
     The present invention is a palette comprised of a plurality of ink caps. One embodiment  10 , shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , arranges the ink caps  12  in a matrix. Each ink cap  12  has a cylindrical or frusto-conical wall  16  positioned over a base  14 . The base of each ink cap  14  is joined to adjacent bases  14  by connectors  18  which may be cut to create an individual palette of just the number of ink caps  12  that an artist desires. As the ink caps  12  are interconnected, they synergistically contribute to adjacent ink caps&#39; stability and adhesion to the surface. Additional texturing, such as logo  20 , may also be fashioned in the surface of ink cap bottoms  14  in an effort to provide additional adhesion efficiency. The texturing may be applied to every ink cap  12  or just selected ones. As in the prior art, when adhered to the work surface, the ink caps  12  may be filled with ink for an artistic session. 
     In use,  FIGS. 10-14 , a surface is prepared with a daub  22  of the same mild adhesive as in the prior art. The daub  22  is broad enough to securely hold an entire palette. The palette  10  is then positioned directly on the prepared surface, in the daub  22 , and individual caps  12  are then filled with ink. Cutting the palette is an easy process if the palette  10  is made of a soft enough polymer or other suitable material. 
     The present invention is described with particular relevance to the art of tattooing; however, the palette of the present invention may be utilized in any situation where a plurality of pigment sources are desired for an artistic endeavor. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.