Razor cartridge

Abstract

The invention provides a shaving cartridge with a housing. The shaving cartridge has a primary guard on a front side of the housing and a secondary cap on a back side of the housing. A bridging member having a primary cap surface and a secondary shield surface disposed between the primary shield and the secondary cap. The bridge member has a plurality of spaced apart ribs extending transverse to the cutting edge of the first blade and defining a plurality of openings. The first blade has a cutting edge. A first blade is mounted on the housing between the main guard and the main cap surface. A second blade having a cutting edge extending in the same direction as the cutting edge of the first blade is mounted on the housing between the secondary protective surface and the secondary cap. The width of the bridging member is from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application entitled “Razor Blade Holder”, with international application number PCT / US2018 / 036208, national application number 201880037608.8, filing date June 6, 2018. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to razors, and more particularly to a shaving cartridge having two guards, two caps, and a plurality of blades. Background Art

[0003] Generally speaking, a wet shaving razor includes a cartridge or blade unit having at least one blade with a cutting edge, which is moved over the surface of the skin being shaved by means of a handle to which the cartridge or blade unit is attached. The cartridge can be detachably mounted on the handle so that it can be replaced with a new cartridge when the blade sharpness has diminished to an unsatisfactory level, or it can be permanently attached to the handle (i.e., a disposable razor) if it is desired to discard the entire razor when one or more blades have become dull. The connection between the cartridge and the handle provides for pivotal fixation of the cartridge relative to the handle, allowing the cartridge angle to be adjusted to conform to the contours of the surface being shaved. In such systems, the cartridge can be biased toward a rest position by the action of a spring-biased plunger (cam follower) carried on the handle and abutting a cam surface on the cartridge housing.

[0004] Razor cartridges typically include a guard that contacts the skin in front of one or more blades during shaving, and a cap that contacts the skin behind one or more blades. The cap and guard help establish what is known as "shaving geometry," i.e., the parameters that determine the orientation and position of the blades relative to the skin during shaving, which in turn have a significant impact on shaving performance and razor efficacy. The cap and guard can help establish blade exposure. Blade exposure is defined as the vertical distance or height of the blade adjacent to the front of the blade and adjacent to the rear of the blade, measured relative to a plane tangent to the skin-contacting surface of the blade unit element. Thus, for a three-blade blade unit, the exposure of the first or primary blade is measured with reference to a plane tangent to the guard and the cutting edge of the second blade, and the exposure of the third or tertiary blade is measured with reference to a plane tangent to the cutting edge of the second blade and the cap.

[0005] The minimum acceptable exposure can be affected by other blade unit dimensions, such as the distance from the skin-engaging surface of the guard to the cutting edge, i.e., the "span" of the primary blade. As referred to herein, "span" refers to the distance from the cutting edge to the skin-contacting element directly in front of the cutting edge, as measured along a tangent line extending between the element and the cutting edge. The guard may include a generally rigid guard strip that may be integrally formed with a housing or platform structure that provides support to the blade. The guard may also include a skin-stretching element made of various types of elastomeric materials that is intended to stretch the skin and / or align hair in front of the blade.

[0006] Safety razors with cartridges containing multiple blades have been sold in significant numbers in recent years and are generally considered to provide a better shave quality than single-blade razors, particularly in terms of closeness. Blade units with multiple blades can produce a closer shave than similar blade units with only one or two blades. However, the closeness of the shave achieved is only one parameter by which razor users judge razor performance. Comfort is another important characteristic to consider. For example, many consumers describe themselves as having sensitive skin that is easily scratched, cut, and irritated. The discomfort during shaving, often described by shavers as a "tugging" sensation, is caused by irritated nerves surrounding hair follicles. This nerve irritation can occur due to the movement, pulling, and / or cutting of hairs, and can also occur due to the dragging of the razor cartridge across the skin surface.

[0007] Additionally, many consumers suffer from acne and / or pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), which makes shaving uncomfortable. PFB, or razor bumps, is an external body inflammatory reaction involving papules and pustules. It is a common skin condition that primarily affects adult men with naturally coarse or tightly curly hair, especially those who regularly shave close to the face. The leading edges of closely severed facial hair re-enter the epidermis of the skin or intersect with the follicle wall, causing a localized inflammatory reaction in the affected area. This process can lead to secondary skin infections and, in severe cases, permanent scarring. Therefore, what is needed is a razor cartridge that provides a more comfortable shave and / or reduces skin problems associated with shaving the face and body (e.g., PFB, irritation, redness, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, acne, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention generally features a shaving blade cartridge having a housing having a primary guard on a front side of the housing and a secondary cover on a back side of the housing. A bridging member having a primary cover surface and a secondary guard surface disposed between the primary guard and the secondary cover. A first blade has a cutting edge. The first blade is mounted to the housing between the primary guard and the primary cover surface. A second blade having a cutting edge extending in the same direction as the cutting edge of the first blade is mounted to the housing between the secondary guard surface and the secondary cover. The width of the bridging member is greater than 50% of an inter-blade span between the cutting edges of the first blade and the second blade, and the inter-blade span is greater than 3 mm.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention generally features a shaving blade cartridge having a housing with a primary guard on a front face of the housing and a secondary cover on a rear face of the housing. A bridging member has a primary cover surface and a secondary guard surface disposed between the primary guard and the secondary cover. The bridging member has a plurality of spaced ribs extending transversely to a cutting edge of a first blade and defining a plurality of openings. The first blade has a cutting edge. The first blade is mounted on the housing between the primary guard and the primary cover surface. A second blade having a cutting edge extending in the same direction as the cutting edge of the first blade is mounted on the housing between the secondary guard surface and the secondary cover. The width of the bridging member is from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention generally features a shaving blade cartridge having a housing with a primary guard on a front side of the housing and a secondary cover on a back side of the housing. A bridging member has a primary cover surface and a secondary guard surface disposed between the primary guard and the secondary cover. A first blade has a cutting edge. The first blade is mounted on the housing between the primary guard and the primary cover surface. A second blade has a cutting edge extending in the same direction as the cutting edge of the first blade. The second blade is mounted on the housing between the secondary guard surface and the secondary cover surface. The top surface of the bridging member is positioned independently of the position of the cutting edge.

[0011] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 Top view of a razor blade holder.

[0013] Figure 2A Roughly along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the razor cartridge taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

[0014] Figure 2B Roughly along Figure 1A perspective cross-sectional view of the razor cartridge taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

[0015] Figure 3A for Figure 1 Assembly drawing of a razor blade cartridge.

[0016] Figure 3B is an assembly diagram of another possible embodiment of a razor cartridge.

[0017] Figure 3C is an assembly diagram of another possible embodiment of a razor cartridge.

[0018] Figure 4A for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a razor blade holder.

[0019] Figure 4B for Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of a razor blade cartridge.

[0020] Figure 4C for Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of a razor blade cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] refer to Figure 1 , shows a top view of a razor cartridge 10. The razor cartridge 10 may include a housing 12 having a primary guard 14 toward the front of the housing 12 and a secondary cover 16 toward the rear of the housing 12. In certain embodiments, there may be a first blade 18 and a second blade 20 mounted in the housing 12 between the primary guard 14 and the secondary cover 16. Each of the blades 18 and 20 may have a respective cutting edge 22 and 24 facing the same direction (e.g., toward the primary guard 14). The blades 18 and 20 may be spring-loaded within the housing 12 such that the blades 18 and 20 are biased against one or more clamps 34a and 34b. In certain embodiments, the clamps 34a and 34b may allow the blades 18 and 20 to move in an up-and-down direction during a shaving stroke.

[0022] The bridge member 26 can be positioned between the first blade 18 and the second blade 20. The bridge member 26 can have a primary cap surface 28 and a secondary guard surface 30. Thus, the primary guard 18 and the primary cap surface 28 can establish a shaving plane for the first cutting edge 22. Similarly, the secondary guard surface 30 and the secondary cap 16 can establish a shaving plane for the second cutting edge 24. The primary cap surface 28 and the secondary guard surface 30 can be a unitary member integrally molded with the bridge member 26 and the housing 12. The bridge member 26 can have a top surface 32 located between the primary cap surface 28 and the secondary guard surface 30.

[0023] As will be explained in more detail below, the blades 18 and 20 can be secured to the housing 12 using at least one clamp 34a and 34b and can be bent around a portion of the housing 12. Although the clamps 34a and 34b are shown as two separate components that secure the blades 18 and 20 and the bridging member 26 to the housing 12, the clamps 34a and 34b can also be of a one-piece design. In addition, the clamps 34a and 34b may not need to be bent or formed around a portion of the housing 12 to secure the blades 18 and 20 and the bridging member 26 relative to the housing 12. For example, the clamps 34a and 34b can be snap-fitted, press-fitted, glued, or ultrasonically welded to the housing 12. The clamps 34a and 34b can comprise a metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel) or a polymer material (e.g., Noryl TM (a blend of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and polystyrene developed by General Electric Plastics, now SABIC Innovative Plastics), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acetal, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene, or any combination thereof. Clamps 34a and 34b can contact the cutting edges 22 and 24 of respective blades 18 and 20. In certain embodiments, clamps 34a and 34b can be spaced apart (i.e., not in contact) from the primary cap surface 28 and / or the secondary guard surface 30. The spacing between clamps 34a and 34b and bridging member 26 can facilitate proper contact of bridging member 26 and cutting edges 22 and 24 with the skin. For example, if clamps 34a and 34b extend above or around bridging member 26, clamps 34a and 34b can prevent cutting edges 22 and 24 from properly contacting skin and hair. In addition, the position of the bridge member 26 will be limited by the bottom surfaces of the clamps 34a and 32b. In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to position the primary cap surface 28 and the secondary guard surface 30 of the bridge member 26 in a plane above the cutting edges 22 and 24. The cutting edges may be preloaded against the bottom surfaces of the clamps 34a and 34b. Positioning the bridge member 26 above the cutting edges 22 and 24 may allow for a more comfortable shave.

[0024] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that it is possible to minimize skin irritation and PFB by cutting hairs close to the skin level, but not below the skin surface. Multi-blade razor cartridges utilize an effect known as hysteresis. Hysteresis is the metastable extension of hairs that occurs after they are cut during shaving. In current razors, the sharp cutting edges of the cartridge engage individual hairs during the shaving stroke, exerting force on the hairs and causing them to be lifted away from the follicle as the razor moves across the skin's surface. Once the hairs are cut and the force is removed, the hairs retract into the skin. However, in a multi-blade system, the trailing blade (i.e., the second blade) engages the hairs and cuts them before they are able to retract into the skin. This concept of cutting hairs with the following blade before they have fully retracted into the skin is known as "hysteresis cutting." If the second and following blades also engage and pull the hairs along as they cut, it is possible to achieve a significantly closer cut than with a single-blade razor.

[0025] In razor cartridges with multiple closely spaced blades, there's a chance that a single hair will engage more than one blade during a single cutting phase, multiplying nerve irritation and discomfort. Blades that aren't too closely spaced are less likely to engage the same hair during a single cutting phase and, therefore, are less likely to exacerbate nerve irritation and discomfort. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that reducing the likelihood of a single hair engaging multiple blades during a cutting session can reduce uncomfortable nerve irritation. Furthermore, reducing the likelihood of a single hair engaging multiple blades during a cutting phase can also help prevent hairs from being cut too closely or below the skin's surface, which can limit the re-entry of growing hairs into the skin's epidermis.

[0026] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , showing roughly along Figure 1 2-2 of the razor cartridge 10. Figure 2A shows a side cross-section, and Figure 2B 1 and 2. The blades 18 and 20 may have respective blade support members 36 and 38. The blade support members 36 and 38 may be an integral part of the blades 18 and 20, or alternatively, the blades 18 and 20 may be mounted to the respective blade support members 36 and 38. The blade support members 36 and 38 may be positioned within respective blade slots 40 and 42 of the housing 12. In certain embodiments, the first blade 18 (e.g., blade support member 36) may be spaced apart from the bridge member 26 to define a rinse channel 44 therebetween (see FIG. Figure 2B ). As a result, when the second blade 20 engages and cuts hair, there may be less shaving debris, thus resulting in a more efficient and comfortable shave.

[0027] The major cover surface 28 and the secondary guard surface 30 can be curved to provide a comfortable skin support surface. The top surface 32 of the bridge structure 26 between the major cover surface 30 and the secondary guard surface 28 can be flat. It should be understood that although the bridge member 26 is shown as a flat rectangular shape, many other shapes are possible, such as rounded surfaces or other shapes. The top surface 32 of the bridge member 26 can be positioned on the plane P1 between the top surface 48b and the bottom surface 50b of the clamp 34b. Although Figure 2A and Figure 2B Only one clamp 34b is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that clamp 34a may also have corresponding top and bottom surfaces. As will be explained in more detail below, the bridging member 26 (e.g., the top surface 32 of the bridging member) can be spaced apart from (i.e., not in contact with) clamps 34a and 34b to facilitate proper shaving geometry and minimize obstruction of the clamps 34a and 34b on the shaving stroke. Therefore, the position of the bridging member 26 (e.g., the height of the bridging member 26 relative to the cutting edges 22 and 24 of the blades 18 and 20) can be independent of the clamps 34a and 34b. For example, the top surface 32 of the bridging member 26 can be positioned above the top surface 48b of the clamp 34b and the cutting edges 22 and 24. It should be understood that the top surface 32 of the bridging member 26 can also be positioned above the top surface 48a of the clamp 34a in a similar manner (not shown).

[0028] The bridge member 26 may define a cavity 52 below the top surface 32 of the bridge member 26. The cavity 52 may provide improved manufacturability of the housing 12. The position of the bridge member 26 may be fixed relative to the primary guard 14. For example, the bridge member 26 and the primary guard 14 may be integrally formed as part of the housing 12. However, the cutting edges 22 and 24 may be preloaded against the bottom surface 50b of the clamp 34b (and clamp 34a, not shown). Thus, during a shaving stroke, while the position of the bridge member 26 remains fixed, the cutting edges 22 and 24 may float (i.e., move in an upward and downward direction toward and away from the clamps 34a and 34b). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the combination of floating blades and fixed surfaces that establish a shaving plane (e.g., the primary guard 14, the primary cap 28, the secondary guard surface 30, and the secondary cap 16) may provide a more consistent and comfortable shave.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the inter-blade span "SI" between the cutting edge 22 of the first blade 18 and the cutting edge 24 of the second blade 20 can be greater than 3.0 mm. For example, the inter-blade span "SI" between the cutting edge 22 of the first blade 18 and the cutting edge 24 of the second blade 20 can be from about 3 mm to about 6 mm. In certain embodiments, the inter-blade span SI can be from about 4.0 mm to about 5 mm. The span "S2" between the primary guard 14 and the cutting edge 20 of the first blade 18 can be from about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm. The span "S3" between the secondary guard surface 28 and the cutting edge 22 of the second blade 20 can be from about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm. The inter-blade span SI can help minimize the double engagement and stalling phenomenon of the hair, which can result in discomfort and hair being cut below the surface of the skin.

[0030] The primary guard 14 can have a width "Wl" of from about 0.35 mm to about 0.85 mm. The bridging member 26 can have a width "W2" that is greater than Wl. The width "W2" can be measured (in the front-to-back direction) as the overall width of the bridging member 26, which is measured at a plane P2 that is tangent to the cutting edges 22 and 24 (e.g., the plane P2 can be located at the bottom surface 50b of the clamp 34b). In certain embodiments, W2 can be from about 1.75 mm to about 4 mm, preferably from about 2 mm to about 3 mm. The width of the bridging member 26 can facilitate establishing proper shaving geometry and preventing hair from being cut below the surface of the skin. For example, the width W2 of the bridging member 26 can facilitate having sufficient spacing between the cutting edges 22 and 24 to allow the hair to retract into the follicle after being cut by the cutting edge 22 of the first blade 18 and before being engaged by the cutting edge 24 of the second blade 20. In addition, the width and spacing of the bridging member 26 can also reduce the double engagement of the hair (e.g., when both cutting edges 22 and 24 simultaneously engage the same hair). As the inter-blade span SI increases (see Figure 2A ), the skin bulge between the cutting edges 22 and 24 can also increase, which can result in increased nicks and cuts. The width of the bridging member 26 can provide sufficient skin support to minimize the skin bulge, which can result in nicks, cuts, and discomfort, especially when the inter-blade span SI is increased.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the width "W2" of the bridge member 26 may be greater than 45% of the blade span S1. For example, the width "W2" of the bridge member 26 may be from about 50% to about 75% of the blade span S1. Thus, if the blade span S1 is 4.0 mm, the width W2 of the bridge member 26 may be greater than 2.0 mm. In certain embodiments, the width "W2" of the bridge member 26 may be from about 60% to about 70% of the blade span S1. The increased width of the bridge member 26 can provide increased skin support, which results in a more comfortable shave by reducing skin bulges while also minimizing double engagement and lag of hairs.

[0032] refer to Figure 3A , shows an assembled view of the razor cartridge 10. The bridge structure 26 can be integrally molded as part of the housing 12. The blade 18 can be mounted to the housing 12 on a pair of spring members 60 and 62. Similarly, the blade 20 can be mounted to the housing 12 on a pair of spring members 64 and 66. The spring members 60, 62, 64, and 66 can preload the cutting edges 22 and 24 against the bottom surfaces 50a and 50b of the respective clamps 34a and 34b. A pair of lateral ends 54 and 56 of the bridge member 26 (e.g., the lateral ends of the primary cap 28 and the lateral ends of the secondary guard surface 30) can be spaced apart from (i.e., not in contact with) the clamps 34a and 34b. Therefore, the clamps 34a and 34b can be mounted to the housing 12 independently of the depth of the bridge member 26. For example, when the clamps 34a and 34b are installed and secured to the housing 12, the top surfaces 48a and 48b of the clamps 34a and 34b may be at approximately the same height as the top surface 32 of the bridge member 26, thereby providing a more even shaving surface.

[0033] The top surface 32 of the bridge member 26 can allow for indicia to be placed on the bridge member 26. For example, in certain embodiments, an emblem or logo 58 can be positioned on the top surface 32 by machining, etching, die polishing, painting, pad printing, etc. In certain embodiments, the top surface 32 of the bridge member 26 can have a glossy surface (e.g., 6000 grit diamond polished to 1200 grit diamond polished) to improve slip during shaving strokes. The bridge member 26 can be coated (parylene or PTFE) or plated (e.g., chrome plating) to improve lubricity. Alternatively, the top surface 32 of the bridge member 26 can have a very rough surface to provide skin exfoliation during shaving strokes (e.g., 600 grit sandpaper or lower grit sandpaper).

[0034] See also Figure 3B , which shows an assembled view of a second possible embodiment of a razor cartridge 100 having a housing 102 with a bridge member 104 including a water-leachable shaving aid. The bridge member 104 may replace Figure 3AThe bridging member 26 in the shaving cartridge 10 of the present invention is shown. For example, the bridging member 104 can be integrally molded as part of the housing 102 between the primary guard 103 and the secondary cap 105 on the housing, as previously described with respect to the bridging member 26. The bridging member 104 can include a top surface 106 defining an opening 108 configured to accommodate a lubrication member 110. The opening 108 can be a recessed portion or can extend completely through the bridging member 104. However, it should be understood that the lubrication member 110 is optional. For example, in certain embodiments, the opening 108 can remain open to allow for improved rinsing and debris removal. The lubrication member 110 can include one or more water-leachable shaving aids. The water-leachable shaving aids can be formed by injection molding, extrusion, or thermal / ultrasonic compression manufacturing processes. The bridging member 104 (e.g., the lubrication member 110) can provide a primary cap surface 112 and a secondary guard surface 114. Thus, the lubrication member 110 can provide lubrication behind the first blade 18 and in front of the second blade 20, which can reduce irritation or eliminate the need for shaving preparation. The primary cap surface 112 and / or the secondary guard surface 114 can be curved to provide a comfortable skin support surface. The lubrication member 110 of the bridging member 104 can have a top surface 116 between the primary cap surface 112 and the secondary guard surface 114. As described above, the top surface 116 can allow for branding. For example, a logo 118 can be positioned on the top surface 116.

[0035] When the clamps 34a and 34b are secured to the housing 102, the clamps 34a and 34b may be approximately the same height as the top surface 116 of the lubrication member 110 and / or the primary cap surface 112 and the secondary guard surface 114, thereby providing a more uniform shaving surface. Figure 3A In the razor cartridge 10 of FIG. 1 , the clamps 34a and 34b can be spaced apart from the bridge member 104 and / or the lubrication member 110. The bridge member 104 can have a width "W3" from the leading edge 120 to the trailing edge 122, which is about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm from the primary cap surface 112 to the secondary guard surface 114. The lubrication member 110 can have a width "W4" of about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm. The width of the bridge member 104 and / or the lubrication member 110 can allow for proper shaving geometry to minimize double engagement of hairs and prevent hairs from being cut below the skin surface.

[0036] The blades 18 and 20 may each be mounted on a pair of corresponding spring fingers 124, 126, 128 and 130. Figure 3AAs described above with respect to the razor cartridge 10, the clips 34a and 34b can be mounted over the blades 18 and 20, but not over the bridge member 104. The clips 34a and 34b can then be secured to the housing 102. The spring fingers 124, 126, 128, and 130 can lift the respective blades 18 and 20 against the clips 34a and 34b. Independent movement of the blades 18 and 20 relative to the bridge member 104 can provide a more comfortable shave by providing a more consistent shaving geometry. As previously described and shown in Figure 2B As shown, the blade 20 can be spaced apart from the bridge member 104 to provide improved rinsing.

[0037] Referring to Figure 3C , an assembly view of a third possible embodiment of a razor cartridge 200 is shown having a housing 202 with a bridge member 204 that includes a plurality of spaced apart parallel ribs 206 that extend transverse to the cutting edges 22 and 24 of the blades 18 and 20. The housing 202 can be similar to the housing 12 shown in previously described and shown in Figure 3A , except that the bridge member 204 can replace the bridge member 26. The bridge member 204 can be integrally molded as part of the housing 202 between a primary guard 203 and a secondary cap 205 on the housing 202. The bridge member 204 can provide similar benefits as the previously described bridge member 26. The spaced apart parallel ribs 206 can provide additional benefits of aligning hair in front of the second blade 20 to improve cutting efficiency. The plurality of spaced apart parallel ribs 206 can provide a primary cap surface 208 and a secondary guard surface 210. The bridge member 204 can have a top surface 212 that extends between the primary cap surface 208 and the primary guard surface 210. The bridge member 204 can have a width "W5" from the primary cap surface 208 to the secondary guard surface 210 of about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm. The width of the bridge member 204 can allow for proper shaving geometry to be achieved to minimize double engagement of hair and prevent hair from being cut below the surface of the skin. The plurality of spaced apart parallel ribs 206 can define a rinse opening 214 that extends through the bridge member 204 to help remove cut hair and excess shaving preparation or soap.

[0038] The blades 18 and 20 can each be mounted on a pair of respective spring fingers 216, 218, 220, and 222. As previously described and shown in Figure 3AAs described above with respect to the razor cartridge 10 of FIG. 1 , the clamps 34a and 34b can be mounted above the blades 18 and 20, but not on the bridge member 204. As previously described with respect to other embodiments, the blades 20 can be spaced apart from the bridge member 204 to provide improved rinsing. The clamps 34a and 34b can then be secured to the housing 12. The spring fingers 216, 218, 220, and 222 can lift the respective blades 18 and 20 against the clamps 34a and 34b. The independent movement of the blades 18 and 20 relative to the bridge member 204 can provide a more comfortable shave by providing a more consistent shaving geometry.

[0039] refer to Figure 4A , showing Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a possible razor cartridge 10. Another factor that can affect the drag force associated with the blades is the blade tangent angle or BTA. The razor cartridge 10 can have a first shaving plane 70 that is tangent to the primary guard 14 and the primary cap surface 28. The first shaving plane 70 can intersect the blade plane 72 of the first blade 18 at a first blade tangent angle β1. The razor cartridge 10 can have a second shaving plane 74 that is tangent to the secondary guard surface 30 and the secondary cap 16. The second shaving plane 74 can intersect the second shaving plane 76 of the second blade 20 at a second blade tangent angle β2. For the razor cartridge 10, a lower blade tangent angle can result in a more comfortable shave. In certain embodiments, the first blade tangent angle β1 can be about 15 degrees, such as 10 to 25 degrees. It is not necessary for both blades 18 and 20 to have the same blade tangent angle. For example, the second blade tangent angle β2 can be less than the blade tangent angle β1 of the first blade 18, such as about 10 degrees. It should be understood that Figure 3B and Figure 3C The illustrated razor cartridges 100 and 200, respectively, may have the same blade tangent angles as described in FIG. 4 .

[0040] refer to Figure 4B , showing Figure 1FIG2 is a possible schematic diagram of a razor cartridge 10 for a razor blade cartridge 10. In certain embodiments, the top surface 32 of the bridging member 26 can be positioned independently of the positions of the cutting edges 22 and 24 (e.g., the bridging member 26 may not be positioned against the clamps 34a and 34b). The top surface 32 of the bridging member 26 may not be positioned in the same plane as the cutting edge 22 of the blade 18, and may not be positioned in the same plane as the cutting edge 24 of the second blade 20. For example, the top surface 32 of the bridging member 26 may be positioned in a plane P1 approximately 0.01 mm to approximately 0.20 mm above plane P3, which is tangential to the cutting edge of the first blade 18 and tangential to the cutting edge 24 of the second blade 20. Positioning the top surface 32 of the bridging member 26 above plane P3 can provide improved comfort by reducing the load on the skin of the cutting edges 22 and 24. However, the top surface 32 may be positioned not above plane P3, such that the cutting edges 22 and 24 do not effectively cut hair. Thus, shaving comfort can be further increased by reducing hysteresis and lowering blade load (i.e., the pressure applied to the skin by the cutting edge of the blade). The level of shaving comfort can be controlled completely independently of the position of the clamps 34a and 34b that determine the position of the cutting edges 22 and 24. The primary guard 14 and the secondary top cover 16 can be positioned below the cutting edges 22 and 24 and / or the top surface 32.

[0041] refer to Figure 4C , showing Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a possible razor cartridge 10. The top surface 32 of the bridge member 26 of the razor cartridge 10 can be positioned below a shaving plane P3, which is tangential to the cutting edges 22 and 24 of the first and second blades 18, 20, respectively. For example, the top surface 32 of the bridge member 26 can be positioned on a plane P1 that is approximately 0.01 mm below plane P3 to approximately 0.15 mm below plane P3. The top surfaces of the primary guard 14 and the secondary cap 16 can be positioned between plane P3 and plane P1. Thus, a shave with minimal hysteresis can be provided, but the cutting edges 22 and 24 have an increased blade load on the skin, thereby better engaging the hair for a closer shave.

[0042] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm." Furthermore, dimensions should not be held to an impossibly high standard of metaphysical identity that does not account for differences due to typical manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, the term "approximately" should be understood to mean within typical manufacturing tolerances.

[0043] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the presently disclosed or claimed inventions, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more of the references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0044] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention be encompassed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A razor blade cartridge (10, 100, 200), comprising: a housing (12, 102, 202) having a primary guard (14, 103, 203) on the front of the housing and a secondary top cover (16, 105, 205) on the back of the housing; a bridging member (26, 104, 204) having a primary cap surface (28, 112, 208) and a secondary guard surface (30, 114, 210) disposed between the primary guard and the secondary cap; a first blade (18) having a cutting edge (22), the first blade being mounted to the housing between the primary guard and the primary cover surface; a second blade (20) having a cutting edge (24) extending in the same direction as the cutting edge of the first blade, the second blade being mounted to the housing between the secondary guard surface and the secondary top cover, wherein the top surface (32) of the bridging member is positioned independent of the positions of the cutting edge (22) of the first blade and the cutting edge (24) of the second blade; The width ( W2 , W3 , W5 ) of the bridging member is 2.5 mm to 4 mm.

2. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein the top surface (32) of the bridge member (26) is not positioned on the same plane as the cutting edge (22) of the first blade.

3. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein a top surface (32) of the bridge member (26) is not positioned in the same plane as the cutting edge (24) of the second blade.

4. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein the top surface (32) of the bridging member (26) is positioned on a plane (P1) that is 0.01 mm to 0.20 mm above a plane (P3) that is tangential to the cutting edge (22) of the first blade and the cutting edge (24) of the second blade.

5. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein the top surface (32) of the bridge member (26) is positioned on a shaving plane (P1) below a shaving plane (P3) tangential to the cutting edge (22) of the first blade and the cutting edge (24) of the second blade.

6. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 5 wherein the shaving plane (P1) is located 0.01 mm to 0.15 mm below the tangential shaving plane (P3).

7. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein the width (W2, W3, W5) of the bridging member is greater than 50% of an inter-blade span (S1) between the cutting edges of the first blade and the second blade.

8. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 7 wherein the inter-blade span is greater than 3 mm.

9. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein the bridge member (26, 104, 204) is spaced apart from the blade support member (36) of the first blade (18).

10. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein the position of the bridging member (26, 104, 204) is fixed relative to the housing (12, 102, 202) and the first blade (18) and the second blade (20) are mounted on a pair of corresponding spring members (60, 62, 64, 66, 124, 126, 128, 130, 216, 218, 220, 222) within the housing.

11. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 further comprising a pair of clamps (34a, 34b) mounted to the housing (12), wherein the top surface (32, 116, 212) of the bridging member is positioned on a plane (P1) between the top surface (48a, 48b) of the clamps and the bottom surface (50a, 50b) of the clamps.

12. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein the bridging member (104) includes a water leachable shaving aid.

13. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein the bridging member (204) comprises a plurality of spaced ribs (206) extending transversely to the cutting edge (22) of the first blade (18).

14. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 13 wherein the bridge member (204) defines a plurality of irrigation openings (214).

15. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 1 wherein the bridging member includes a top surface defining an opening (108) along a longitudinal direction of the razor cartridge configured to receive a lubrication member.

16. The razor cartridge (10, 100, 200) of claim 15 wherein the razor cartridge includes a lubrication member received in an opening in a top surface of the bridge member.

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