FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for programmed application of organic herbal ink, extracted from herbal colouring agents like leaf of Lawsonia inermis, on the body parts via 3D printing machine for superficial decoration and inking of the skin. More particularly, the invention relates to automatic and customized printing or 5 inking, onto the body parts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Mehndi or Henna (Lawsonia inermis) has always been a part of Indian culture. For centuries it has been worn or applied as a sign of good luck, health and sensuality. The 10 method of application has been passed from generations where the fresh leaves or soaked dried leaves are made into a paste and applied manually in the form of delicate intricate pattern on the palms and feet mostly.
In recent years the application of Mehndi or Henna has crossed borders and has deep 15 rooted itself in the Western Culture. It is now considered as an alternative to permanent inking of skin such as tattooing. Most people who are looking for a bit of excitement but are not brave enough to pierce their skin or live with a permanent art form, find Mehndi or Henna application a joyful transient experience.
20
However, Mehndi or Henna application has its own drawbacks. The application of Mehndi or Henna is a very time consuming, skilful and tedious affair. A person skilled in the art depending on the area of application and complexity of pattern may take from 30 min to 4 hours. Therefore, the major drawback is the time consumed for applying the mehndi. Another major drawback of the invention is keeping still during application, in 25 one position, for hours. Another major drawback is that actual herbal ink is not extracted but the application is made out of the crushed leaves and additives. This prolongs the setting time of the ink as the crushed organic matter dries first rather than the actual ink.
3
Therefore, there exists a technological gap wherein the method of extraction of organic ink is needed from herbal based material such as Mehndi or Henna. The formulation of organic ink is required to be stored in a manner so that it maintains its vibrancy and has a long shelf life.
Accordingly, an apparatus is needed that can be reversibly be attached to a 3D printing 5 machine to apply the extracted herbal based ink from Mehndi or Henna for instant application in desired fashion. There is required a method as well as an apparatus to achieve the same in lesser time and at skilled finishing to the desired pattern during the ink or henna application.
10
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the main object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for application of the extracted natural inking material for temporary retention on the skin in a desired pattern.
15
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of automatic application of natural inking/pasting material such as Mehndi or Henna on the body.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that has a means to support and uniformly apply natural organic herbal ink/paste in a specified programmed 20 manner.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method for the formulation of natural organic herbal ink/paste from the leaves of Mehndi or Henna that can be used in the cartridges of existing 3D printer. 25
Yet another object of the invention is to provide printing cartridges compatible to most generic 3D printers.
4
Yet another object of the invention is to provide printing cartridges, generic 3D printer and apparatus for application compatible for instant application of the selected pattern.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of Mehndi or Henna application automatically, by the use of this novel apparatus, conveniently and hastily 5 manner.
Still another object of the invention is to provide cartridge with natural organic herbal ink that spreads consistently, maintains the vibrancy of colour and exudes high shelf life.
10
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention a method and apparatus for programmed application of organic herbal ink, extracted from herbal colouring agents like leaf of Lawsonia inermis, on the body parts via 3D printing machine for superficial decoration and inking of the skin. 15
In an embodiment of the present invention the invention provides an apparatus comprising of: a). atleast one means to analyse and map the surface of application; b). atleast one extrusion nozzle; c). atleast one bracket to hold a). and b). on a spring support, allowing free movement, vertically; d). atleast one means to direct and 20 manoeuvre the bracket over the surface of application horizontally; e). atleast one, VDU unit, processing and control unit, and input unit; and f). optionally at least one supporting platform, for resting of the targeted body part/area to be inked/pasted.
In yet another embodiment a method of application of organic herbal ink via a novel 25 apparatus comprising of analysing and mapping the surface of application; feeding the pattern of application, exuding the pre-fed and pre-programmed applicator to draw the pattern; and allowing sufficient exposure time to draw the pattern.
30
5
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the system and method of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following drawings:
Figure 1, provides the front view of the apparatus;
Figure 2, provides the top prospective view of the apparatus mounted to direct and 5 manoeuvre the bracket over the surface of application horizontally; and
Figure 3, provides the front perspective view of the apparatus with housing and one support platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 10
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the 15 invention to those skilled in the art.
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for application of organic herbal ink, extracted from Lawsonia inermis more commonly known as Mehndi or Henna. The extracted organic herbal ink/paste shall be mixed with additional substances 20 that augment quick drying and setting of the ink/paste on the skin; and enhance the colour/vibrancy and shelf life of the ink/paste.
6
The natural organic herbal ink is formulated to spread consistently maintain the vibrancy of colour and exude a high shelf life. Further, such organic herbal ink is packed in printing cartridge and attached to any/all existing 3D printing machine for instant application. The application shall be made for most preferably to the anterior surface, posterior surface and extremities of the limbs. 5
In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprises of: a). atleast one means to analyse and map the surface of application; b). atleast one extrusion nozzle; c). atleast one bracket to hold a). and b). on a spring support, allowing free movement, vertically; d). atleast one means to direct and manoeuvre the bracket over the surface of 10 application horizontally; e). atleast one, VDU unit, processing and control unit, and input unit; and f). optionally at least one supporting platform, for resting of the targeted body part/area to be inked/pasted.
The apparatus wherein the means to analyse and map the surface application is virtual 15 3D model generator; the extrusion nozzle dispenses pre-fed material on programmed application; the spring support acts as a shock absorber allowing free vertical movement for smooth application; the means to direct and manoeuvre, is a motorised arm, capable of carrying the bracket and allowing free horizontal movement; and the input unit allows application in a pattern or controlled application in a fixed format. 20
In an alternate embodiment the inking of the pattern may be implemented by using a stencil that will selectively allow the ink/paste to pass when sprayed or by supplying the ink/paste on to the stamp that shall make an impression of the design when pressed against the desired body part, for a specific time installed in the support system of the 25 apparatus.
Figure 1 provides the front view of the apparatus elucidating the arrangement of the most preferred embodiment provides a Z-Probe 102, a facilitated means to analyse and map the surface of application; an extrusion nozzle 101; a bracket 104 and a spring 30 support 103, allowing free movement, vertically. The ink or paste is stored in the conical
7
vessel with an extrusion nozzle 101. The Z-Probe 102, scans and creates a virtual 3D outline and sets an aspect ratio, depending on the surface area of the application and the pre-fed pattern. The unevenness of the contour, of the application surface, is negotiated by the spring support 103, by allowing vertical movement.
5
Figure 2, provides the top prospective view of the apparatus mounted to direct and manoeuvre the bracket over the surface of application horizontally; on programmed activation the extrusion nozzle 101 dispenses the stored ink or paste, according to the pattern over the surface. The bracket 105 allows horizontal span or manuvering. Therefore, the VDU unit, processing and control unit, and input unit, programs and 10 controls the whole operation.
Figure 3 provides the front perspective view of the apparatus with housing 106 and one support platform 107. The support platform 107 allows and accommodates the desired body part to be inked. 15
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the support system is adjustable to accommodate different target areas. More specifically, the apparatus supports the area of application and allows patterned measured application of the natural organic herbal ink/paste in a specific pattern. The support system is adjusted manually or automatically. 20
In another embodiment of the present invention, the design pattern is printed on desired body part using specially designed cartridges capable of moving in desired fashion following digital commands.
25
In still another embodiment of the present invention, pre-application processes like applying colour enhancing agents like Mehndi oil is applied. After the setting of formulation, post-application process like partially heating or applying wetting agents is also provisioned.
30
8
In yet another embodiment a method of application of organic herbal ink via a novel apparatus comprising of analysing and mapping the surface of application; feeding the pattern of application, exuding the pre-fed and pre-programmed applicator to draw the pattern; and allowing sufficient exposure time to draw the pattern.
5
The method of application wherein analysis and mapping is virtual 3D modelling; pattern of application is automatically adjusted maintaining the optimum aspect ratio with respect to the surface of application; and the time of application depends on the area of application and detailing of the pattern.
10
As those with ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features of the examples illustrated and described with reference to any one of the Figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other Figures to produce alternative examples that are not explicitly illustrated and described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative examples for typical applications. However, various combinations 15 and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations.
Those with ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied to other applications or implementations. While the best 20 mode has been described in detail, those familiar with the art will recognize various alternative designs and examples within the scope of the following claims.

CLAIMS
I Claim:
1. An apparatus for programmed application of organic herbal ink comprising of 5
a). atleast one means to analyse and map the surface of application;
b). atleast one extrusion nozzle;
c). atleast one bracket to hold a). and b). on a spring support, allowing free movement, vertically; 10
d). atleast one means to direct and manoeuvre the bracket over the surface of application horizontally;
e). atleast one, VDU unit, processing and control unit, and input unit; and
f). optionally at least one support platform, for resting of the targeted body part or area to be inked. 15
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means to analyse and map the surface application is virtual 3D model generator.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extrusion nozzle dispenses pre-fed 20 material, on programmed application.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring support acts as a shock absorber allowing free vertical movement for smooth application.
25
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means to direct and manoeuvre, is a motorised arm, capable of carrying the bracket and allowing free horizontal movement.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input unit allows application in a pattern or controlled application in a fixed format. 30
10
7. A method of application of organic herbal ink via a novel apparatus comprising of
analysing and mapping the surface of application;
5
feeding the pattern of application,
extruding the pre-fed and pre-programmed applicator to draw the pattern; and
allowing sufficient exposure time to draw the pattern. 10
8. The method of application in claim 7, wherein analysis and mapping is virtual 3D modelling.
9. The method of application in claim 7, wherein pattern of application is automatically 15 adjusted maintaining the optimum aspect ratio with respect to the surface of application.
10. The method of application in claim 7, wherein the time of application depends on the area of application and detailing of the pattern.