ES2981100T3 - Razor cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

A shaver cartridge (20) comprising three or more substantially parallel cutting elements (28a-d) disposed between a front longitudinal side (24) and a rear longitudinal side (25) of the shaver cartridge in a shaving direction (S) of the shaver cartridge. Each of the cutting elements (28a-d) comprises a blade holder (32) comprising a blade mounting portion (71) disposed on an inner surface (66) of the respective blade holder which, in use, is oriented away from a shaving plane (SH), and a blade (33) attached to the blade mounting portion (71). The cutting elements (28a-d) are arranged to define a plurality of inter-blade spaces (40, 41, 42) between the cutting edges (30) of the blades. A front blade spacing (40) that is closer to the front longitudinal side (24) of the shaving cartridge than a rear blade spacing (42) is greater than a rear blade spacing (42) that is closer to the rear longitudinal side (25) of the shaving cartridge than the front blade spacing. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Razor cartridge

Technical field

The embodiments described in the following description relate to a razor cartridge, a method of manufacturing a razor cartridge, a razor assembly, and an associated parts kit.

Background

Razor cartridges (also known as safety razor cartridges) are permanently attached or removably attached to a razor handle which, during use, is oriented in a shaving direction. Razor cartridges typically comprise one or more cutting members, each supporting a blade, mounted perpendicular to the shaving direction. Razor cartridges are also typically provided with a protective cover (on a front longitudinal side of the razor cartridge in the shaving direction) and a cap (on a rear longitudinal side of the razor cartridge in the shaving direction). During use, a user holds the razor handle in the shaving direction and brings the razor cartridge into contact with a portion of skin defining a shaving plane.

Typically, the shaving plane is defined as the tangential line intersecting the first and second skin contact points of, for example, the cutting edges of the shaving head. More simply, the shaving plane can be approximated as a line between the highest points of the skin contact surfaces of a razor cartridge, for example, the flat surface plane between the top of a protective cover and the top of a shaving head cap. Movement of the razor handle causes the razor cartridge blades to move across the shaving plane in the shaving direction, allowing the blades to remove unwanted hair.

US-2011/146079 A1 relates to a razor cartridge including at least one non-cutting element disposed anywhere within a blade array between a protective cover and a cap. WO 2012/158141 A1 relates to a blade holder for a razor blade cartridge and a method of manufacturing such a blade.

Document US-2009/0083982 A1 relates to a safety razor cartridge including a plurality of elongated blades disposed in a housing between a protective cover and a cap.

US-2005/015991 A1 relates to a razor cartridge where the individual exposures are equal to the length of an exposure line extending between the cutting edge of the razor blade for which the exposure is sought and a tangent line, the exposure line being approximately perpendicular to the tangent line.

The performance of razor cartridges can be further improved.

Summary

According to the invention, there are provided a razor cartridge according to claim 1 and a method of manufacturing a razor cartridge according to claim 12. The razor cartridge comprises three or more substantially parallel cutting members disposed between a front longitudinal side and a rear longitudinal side of the razor cartridge in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge.

Each of the cutting members comprises a blade holder comprising a blade mounting portion disposed on an inner surface of the respective blade holder which, during use, faces away from a shaving plane SH (shaving surface), and a blade coupled to the blade mounting portion.

The cutting members are arranged to define a plurality of inter-blade spans between the cutting edges of the blades.

A front interblade span that is closer to the front long side of the razor cartridge than a rear interblade span is greater than the rear interblade span that is closer to the back long side of the razor cartridge than the front interblade span.

In one example, a razor cartridge is provided. The razor cartridge comprises three or more substantially parallel cutting members disposed between a front longitudinal side and a rear longitudinal side of the razor cartridge in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge.

Each of the cutting members comprises a blade holder comprising a blade mounting portion disposed on an inner surface of the respective blade holder which, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH, and a blade coupled to the blade mounting portion.

The cutting members are arranged to define a plurality of inter-blade spans between the cutting edges of the blades.

A leading interblade span that is closer to the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge is larger than a trailing interblade span that is closer to the trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge. According to a second aspect, a method of manufacturing a razor cartridge comprises:

obtaining a razor cartridge housing, and three or more cutting members, wherein each of the cutting members comprises a blade holder comprising a blade mounting portion disposed on an inner surface of the respective blade holder which, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH, and a blade coupled to the blade mounting portion; and

arranging the cutting members between a front longitudinal side and a rear longitudinal side of the razor cartridge housing in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge, wherein, during use, the inner surface of the respective blade holder is oriented away from a shaving plane SH.

The cutting members define a plurality of inter-blade spans between the cutting edges of the blades. A leading inter-blade span that is closest to the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge is larger than a trailing inter-blade span that is closest to the trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge.

According to a third aspect, a shaver assembly is provided comprising:

- a razor handle; and

- a razor cartridge according to the first aspect. The razor cartridge is releasably coupled to the razor handle by a rotatable or non-rotatable connection, is integrally formed with the razor handle by a non-rotatable connection, or is integrally formed with the razor handle by a rotatable connection.

In one example, the razor handle can be reused by changing the razor cartridge, or the razor cartridge is fixedly attached to the razor handle, by a rotating or non-rotating connection. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a razor handle and a razor cartridge holder comprising a plurality of razor cartridges according to the first aspect. Other embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims and in the detailed description, to which the reader is referred below.

One effect of a razor cartridge according to the first aspect is that when shaving, the blade supports of the cutting members come into contact with the skin (shaving plane) in addition to the cutting edges of the blade. Therefore, the number of contact points between the razor cartridge and the skin is increased, up to doubled. The amount of pressure exerted on a portion of skin by each cutting edge is significantly reduced, resulting in fewer incidents of skin injury (“nicks”) and a more comfortable shave.

The blade is mounted on an inner surface of the blade holder to allow the blade holder to simultaneously contact the skin at the same time as the cutting edge of the blade, during use. This means that the skin contacting portions of the blade holder reduce or minimise “skin bulge”, thereby reducing the risk of nicks and cuts.

Another effect is that the blades' lifespan is prolonged, as less pressure is applied to the skin and this results in a less aggressive shave and therefore the blades wear out at a slower rate.

Another effect is that the blade span between the cutting edges towards the front longitudinal side of the razor cartridge increases compared to the blade span between the cutting edges towards the rear longitudinal side of the razor cartridge.

Another effect of a larger blade gap between the cutting edges (and therefore the cutting members) towards the longitudinal leading edge of the razor cartridge compared to a blade gap between the cutting edges towards the longitudinal trailing edge of the razor cartridge is that a larger gap between the cutting members on the longitudinal leading edge of the razor cartridge allows more removed hair to pass through, and a greater flow of debris and lather during shaving, thus, as a greater degree of rinsing ability. Infrequent razor users wait several days between shaves, which requires a greater degree of hair removal compared to a user who shaves daily. A razor cartridge according to the present disclosure is better suited, e.g., to users who shave less frequently, because a larger blade gap (or gaps) towards the longitudinal leading edge of the razor cartridge can accommodate the denser and/or longer hair clippings characteristic of users who shave less frequently.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form part of this description. The drawings are intended to explain the present description in more detail and to enable a person skilled in the art to put it into practice. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numbers in different figures indicate the same or similar features.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a razor assembly.

Figures 2a and 2b show schematic side views of a portion of a prior art razor cartridge during use.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a portion of a prior art razor cartridge during use.

Figure 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of a razor cartridge.

Figure 5a is a schematic sectional side view of a razor cartridge taken from the embodiment of Figure 4 along the P-Q axis.

Figure 5b is a duplicate of the schematic sectional side view of the razor cartridge shown in Figure 5a which has been annotated differently to illustrate the blade spacing.

Figure 6 is an alternative exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a razor cartridge showing the relative position of an optional trimmer blade subassembly and/or skin care element (lubricating strip).

Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view of one end of a cutting member.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a blade support member.

Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a cutting member comprising a blade mounting portion disposed on an inner surface of the respective blade holder which, during use, faces away from a shaving plane.

Figure 10 illustrates a schematic side view of four razor blades of the razor cartridge according to one embodiment.

Figure 11 illustrates a side view of a blade arrangement illustrating the reduction of skin bulge when the blade support member is allowed to contact the skin during shaving.

Figure 12 illustrates an additional side view of a blade arrangement illustrating the benefit of allowing the blade support member to contact the skin.

Figure 13 illustrates a method of manufacturing a razor cartridge according to one aspect.

Detailed description

1 is a perspective view of a razor assembly 1 according to one aspect. The razor assembly comprises blades that are not driven by a motor. The razor assembly 1 comprises a handle 2 extending in a handle direction H between a proximal portion 4 and a distal portion 6 of the handle 2. A razor cartridge 20 is mounted on the distal portion 6 of the handle 2. The razor cartridge 20 will be presented in more detail after the discussion of the razor assembly 1.

Mounting of the razor cartridge 20 to the distal portion 6 of the handle 2 in the illustration is accomplished by a rotatable bearing member 8a which allows a reference frame of the handle 2 to vary relative to a reference frame of the razor cartridge 20, thereby allowing the angle of the razor cartridge against a user's skin to vary and adapt to changes during use.

In particular, the razor cartridge 20 rotates relative to the handle 2 about the longitudinal axis L of the razor cartridge 2020, during use. The rotation allows the user to adapt, for example, to the contour of the body. The longitudinal axis L of the razor cartridge 20 is substantially perpendicular to the shaving direction along the handle 2. Another example of a connection mechanism for connecting the razor cartridge 20 to the handle 2 is discussed in WO2006/027018 A1. Another alternative is a razor cartridge 20 that is rotatable relative to a second axis of rotation (a swing axis), substantially perpendicular to the axis L. In some examples, the rotatable bearing member 8a may be omitted (not illustrated) and the handle 2 may be provided as an integrally connected part of the holder of the razor cartridge 20. In one example, the rotatable bearing member 8a may also comprise, or be replaced by, a release mechanism 5a, 5b, which allows for quick release of a spent razor cartridge from the handle 2.

In one example, the handle 2 and the razor cartridge holder 20 are integrally formed with a rotatable bearing member (not shown), such as a plastic spring member.

In one example, the handle 2 is provided with a gripping grip 9 made of rubber or rubber-like material to improve gripping friction. In one example, the handle is provided with a thumb rest 7 to allow a firmer grip of the handle 2 by a user.

Figures 2a and 2b are schematic side views of a portion of a prior art razor cartridge in use. In conventional razor cartridges with three or more blades, the blade spacing is measured to be constant in a range of about 1.05 mm to 1.5 mm, and the razor blade is mounted on the top of the blade holder.

The term "top of the blade holder", for the purposes of this specification, means a side of a razor cartridge blade holder that is closest to a user's shaving plane (skin) SH when the razor cartridge is in use, as illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b. When a razor cartridge with such top-mounted cutting members is used, aggressive shaving may result in a greater degree of nicks and cuts, hence a greater sensation of irritation, because the shaving plane (skin) SH is supported exclusively by the cutting edges 30 of the blades in the blade holder. This gives the skin a relatively small surface area on which to bear during shaving and causes a greater degree of "bumping" 12 of the shaving plane (skin) SH between the gaps between the blades.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a portion of a prior art razor cartridge during use. To reduce the skin bunching effect 12, the IBS span between blades can be reduced, as illustrated in Figure 3. However, this results in a reduced gap for rinsing, and debris such as foam or hair can easily block a gap having a narrow blade span. Higher blade density (number of blades in the same size cartridge) is also required when the IBS between all blades is reduced.

In a first aspect, there is provided a razor cartridge 20 comprising: three or more substantially parallel cutting members disposed between a leading longitudinal side 24 and a trailing longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge.

Each of the cutting members comprises a blade holder comprising a blade mounting portion disposed on an inner surface of the respective blade holder which, in use, faces away from a shaving plane S<h>, and a blade coupled to the blade mounting portion.

The cutting members are arranged to define a plurality of inter-blade spans between the cutting edges 30 of the blades.

A front blade spacing that is closest to the front longitudinal side 24 of the razor cartridge is greater than a rear blade spacing that is closest to the rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge.

Figure 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of a razor cartridge 20 according to an example of the first aspect. “Partial exploded view” means that some minor components of the razor cartridge 20 have been omitted from the exploded view for clarity of the drawing.

The shaving direction S is represented in Figure 4 using the arrow S. During use, the razor cartridge 20 contacts a shaving plane SH (not shown in Figure 4) and translates along the shaving plane SH in the direction of the arrow S.

A frame 21 may be made partially or completely of synthetic materials, such as plastic, resin or elastomers. The frame 21 comprises a platform member 22 which may be connected to a handle 2 of a shaver assembly 1, either integrally or by a connecting mechanism, such as a rotating bearing member 8a or by an interconnecting member (not shown).

A protective cover member 23 is provided as a substantially longitudinal edge of the razor cartridge 20. In use, the protective cover member 23 is the first portion of the razor cartridge 20 that comes into contact with uncut hair and is therefore located on a front longitudinal side 24 of the razor cartridge 20. The side of the razor cartridge 20 opposite the front longitudinal side of the razor cartridge 20 and opposite the shaving direction is the rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge 20. The rear longitudinal side 25 is therefore the end portion of the razor cartridge 20 that comes into contact with the shaving plane SH, during use.

It will be noted that the terms “anterior longitudinal side 24” and “rear longitudinal side 25” are used to indicate specific locations on the razor cartridge 20 and do not imply or require the absence or presence of a particular feature. For example, a protective cover member 23 may be located, in one example, on the “anterior longitudinal side 24” and, in another example, a trimmer blade (not shown in FIG. 4) may be located on the “rear longitudinal side 25” in another example, but it is not essential that these locations comprise such features.

The protective cover member 23, in one example, comprises an elastomeric member (not shown in Figure 4). In one example, the elastomeric layer comprises one or more fins extending longitudinally parallel to the protective cover member 23 and substantially perpendicular to the shaving direction. One purpose of such an elastomeric layer is, for example, to tighten the skin prior to cutting.

The razor cartridge 20, in some embodiments, may also comprise a cap member at, or near, the rear longitudinal side 25, but this is not illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 4 for clarity.

The razor cartridge 20 further comprises a group 29 of cutting members received in a blade receiving section 31 of the frame 21. The group 29 of cutting members comprises a plurality of cutting members 28a-d. The group 29 of cutting members is disposed in the frame 21 longitudinally and parallel to the shaving direction SH such that, in use, the blades of the cutting members 28a-d contact a shaving plane SH and cut hair present in the shaving plane SH as the razor cartridge 20 moves along the shaving plane SH in the shaving direction S. The particular design of the group of cutting members 29 will be discussed in detail later.

In one example, a razor cartridge is provided with three cutting members. In one example, a razor cartridge is provided with four cutting members. In one example, a razor cartridge is provided with five cutting members. In one example, a razor cartridge is provided with six cutting members. In one example, a razor cartridge is provided with seven or more cutting members.

The group 29 of cutting members defines a plurality of substantially parallel inter-blade spans. The number of inter-blade spans is one less than the number of cutting members.

The frame 21 further comprises a first retainer 26 and a second retainer 27 configured to hold the razor blades within the housing of the razor cartridge 20. The frame 21 further comprises a first 16 and a second 18 side portion. When the razor cartridge 20 is in an assembled state, the first and second side portions 16, 18 are configured to fixedly confine the longitudinal ends of the protective cover member 23, a cap member 29 (if present; not shown in Figure 4) and the group 29 of cutting members. The first side retainer 26 and the second retainer 27 may comprise, for example, plastic, an elastomer or a metallic material and, in addition, may have a shape different from that illustrated.

Although not illustrated, in one example, a rotatable bearing member 8b may be provided on the side of the razor cartridge 20 configured to connect to a rotatable handle 2. Such a rotatable bearing member 8b, in one example, comprises two or more housing bearings configured to connect to the rotatable bearing member 8a of the handle 2.

The cutting members comprised in the group 29 of cutting members are disposed in the razor cartridge such that two cutting edges 30 comprised, respectively, in the two forwardmost cutting members (closest to the front side of the razor cartridge) of the group 29 of cutting members define a forward inter-blade span that is closest to the front longitudinal side 24 of the razor cartridge 20 and is greater than a rear inter-blade span defined between the two cutting edges that are closest to the rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge. The inter-blade spans are illustrated in more detail in Figure 10 and are discussed below.

Each cutting member in the cutting member group 29 comprises a longitudinal blade holder 32. A longitudinal blade is mounted on the blade holder 32. The cutting edge 30 of a cutting member 28a-d faces forward in the shaving direction S. The blade holder 32 of a cutting member 28a-d is an elongated, flexed piece of rigid material. In one example, the blade holder 32 is a metal, such as austenitic stainless steel.

Each cutting member in the cutting member group 29, in one example, is flexibly mounted in a blade receiving section 31 of the razor cartridge 20. The blade receiving section 31 comprises a longitudinal space in the razor cartridge 20 that is sized to accommodate the cutting member group 29. At least one cutting member of the cutting member group 29, up to all of the cutting members in the cutting member group 29, may be flexibly mounted in the blade receiving section 31. In the illustrated example of Figure 4, the transverse inner sides of the frame 21 comprise a plurality of holding slots 34. Each clamping slot 34 on the transverse inner sides is configured to accept and retain one side of a blade holder 32 of a cutting member of the cutting member group 29 such that the cutting members of the cutting member group 29 are clamped in the blade receiving section 31 with a substantially parallel inter-blade span. Thus, as many clamping slots 34 are provided on each transverse inner side of the frame 21 as there are blade holder members.

Between the blade receiving section 31 and the handle (in a part adjacent to a connection of the handle 2, for example) there are provided, in some examples, one or more cross members 35 that are integrally formed with the frame 21. The cross members 35 may comprise a plurality of blade support guides 36 provided as a plurality of protrusions aligned with the clamping slot 34 on the transverse inner sides of the frame 21. The blade support guides 36 function to regulate the parallel inter-blade span in a longitudinal direction.

As explained above, a razor cartridge 20 according to the first aspect has a variable IBS inter-blade span. Therefore, in one variant, the spacing of the blade holders 32 is progressively reduced between the front longitudinal side 24 and the rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor 20 to generate the variable IBS inter-blade span. An alternative way of achieving this arrangement is to progressively decrease the spacing between the clamping slots 34 provided on the transverse inner sides in a transverse direction (y to -y) of the razor cartridge. The position and/or width of the blade holder guides 36 is proportionally adjusted so that the group of IBS inter-blade spaces between the cutting edges 30 of the cutting members 28a-d is parallel.

The razor cartridge 20 of Figure 4 comprises four flexible fingers 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d beneath the first retainer 26. The razor cartridge 20 comprises four flexible fingers beneath the second retainer 27 that are in corresponding transverse alignment with the four flexible fingers 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d beneath the first retainer 26.

In total, each of the eight flexible fingers exerts a biasing force against the respective cutting members of the cutting member group 29 in the direction of the shaving plane SH such that the cutting members of the cutting member group 29 are in an abutment position, when mounted. In the abutment position, the cutting edges 30 of the blades 33, at each side end of the blades 33 near the first 26 and the second 27 retainers, abut against corresponding stop portions, for example. In one example, the stop portions may be the first 26 and the second 27 retainers.

Accordingly, the abutment position of the cutting members 28a-d is well defined, allowing for high shaving precision. Of course, the illustrated bias arrangement has many variations. For example, an additional plurality of flexible fingers may be provided on one or more of the cross members 35. In a simplified razor cartridge design (such as in the case of low-cost disposable razors), the flexible fingers may be omitted. A skilled person will appreciate that the number of flexible fingers 38 to be provided is related to the number of cutting members 28a-d in the cutting member group 29, and that fewer or more than eight flexible fingers 38 may be provided.

Figure 5a is a schematic sectional side view of a razor cartridge taken from the embodiment of Figure 4 along the transverse axis P-Q illustrated by the dotted line in Figure 4. Wherever possible, like elements are indicated by like reference numerals.

In addition to the features illustrated in the partial exploded view of Figure 4, Figure 5a further illustrates a rear longitudinal assembly 49 which, in some examples, may be included as part of a razor cartridge 20, but which is not essential.

In particular, the posterior longitudinal assembly 49, in some examples, comprises a longitudinal skin care element 50 (e.g., a lubricating strip) for applying a compound, such as a lubricating compound, to the shaving plane after the cutting edges 30 of the blades have passed over the shaving plane.

The rear longitudinal assembly 49, in some examples, comprises a longitudinal trimmer blade 53 disposed on the rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge 20. The trimmer blade 53 may be used, for example, to trim hair that is difficult to reach using the blades 33 of the cutting member group 29, such as external nasal hair. In one example, the trimmer blade 53 only extends along a proportion of the longitudinal direction of the rear longitudinal assembly 49, such as up to three-quarters, up to one-half, or up to one-quarter.

As illustrated, the trimmer blade 53 is mounted on a trimmer blade holder 54. The trimmer blade 53 assembly mounted on a trimmer blade holder 54 is, in one example, identical to the design of the blade receiving section 31, blade holder 32, and blade 33 comprised in the cutting member group 29 to reduce part variation. Alternatively, the trimmer blade 53 and trimmer blade holder 54 are manufactured with a different design than the design of the blade receiving section 31, blade holder 32, and blade 33 comprised in the cutting member group 29.

For the purposes of this specification, the trimmer blade 53 is not included within the group 29 of cutting members adapted to contact the shaving plane. For the purposes of this specification, an inter-blade span is defined between the cutting edges 30a-d of the blades 33a-d of the group 29 of cutting members. However, a span between a cutting edge 53 of the trimmer blade and one of the cutting edges 30a-d of the blades 33a-d of the group 29 of cutting members is not considered an inter-blade span.

In one example, the rear longitudinal assembly 49 comprises a retractable cover 52 as a safety feature and to keep the trimmer blade 53 sharp when not in use.

Like the razor frame 21, the rear longitudinal assembly 49 and/or the retractable cover 52 may be provided as a plastic or resin material. In one example, the rear longitudinal assembly 49 is integrally formed with the frame 21. In one example, the rear longitudinal assembly 49 is glued or ultrasonically welded to the frame 21, for example. In one example, a razor cartridge 21 without a rear longitudinal assembly 49 is provided such that the rear edge of the frame 21 in the shaving direction is the rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge 20. In one embodiment where the razor cartridge 20 comprises the longitudinal assembly 49, the rear longitudinal side 25 of the longitudinal assembly 49 in the shaving direction is considered to be the rear edge of the frame 21 in the shaving direction.

Figure 5a illustrates a side view of the clamping slots 34 provided in the first 26 and second 27 retainers for holding the group 29 of cutting members. The plurality of blade support guides 36 and the plurality of flexible fingers 38 shown in Figure 4 are not shown in the projection of Figure 5a for clarity.

Figure 5a illustrates the progressively decreasing section in the longitudinal direction between the succession of clamping slots 34 for clamping the group 29 of cutting members provided in the first 16 and the second 18 side portion, in the direction from the front longitudinal side 24 to the rear longitudinal side 25.

Of course, it is not essential to have a succession of holding slots 34 in the first 26 and second 27 retainers to support the cutting members of the cutting member group 29. The cutting member group 29 could also be supported using a plurality of blade support guides 36 (protuberances) positioned on one or more cross members 35, for example, where the plurality of blade support guides 36 provide a progressively decreasing inter-blade span in the longitudinal direction from the leading longitudinal side 24 to the trailing longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge 20. In one example, a plurality of blade support guides 36 and a succession of holding slots 34 may be used in combination to provide a progressively decreasing span in the longitudinal direction.

Figure 5b is a duplicate of the schematic sectional side view of the razor cartridge 20 shown in Figure 5a which has been annotated to indicate the blade spacing. The longitudinal line on the inner front longitudinal wall of the blade receiving section 55 which is closest to a shaving plane SH during use serves as the origin O for the purposes of this definition.

A portion 44 of the front blade 33d to frame 21 is the transverse portion (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the blades of the cutting member group 29 that spans the space between the inner front longitudinal wall of the blade receiving section 55 that is closest to a shaving plane SH during use (the origin) and the cutting edge 30d of the front blade of the cutting member group 29.

An anterior inter-blade section 40 which is the inter-blade section closest to the anterior longitudinal side 24 of the razor cartridge is a transverse section (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S during use) that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the blades of the group 29 of cutting members. The anterior inter-blade section 40 begins at a point on the cutting edge 30d and ends at a corresponding point on the cutting edge 30c of the first intermediate blade 33c.

A first intermediate inter-blade span 41 is a transverse span (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S in use) that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the blades of the cutting member group 29. The first intermediate inter-blade span 41 begins at a point on the cutting edge 30c and ends at a corresponding point on the cutting edge 30b of the second intermediate blade 33b.

A trailing inter-blade span 42 is a transverse span (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S in use) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the blades of the cutting member group 29. The trailing inter-blade span 42 begins at a point on the cutting edge 30b and ends at a corresponding point on the cutting edge 30a of the blade 33a that is closest to the trailing longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge 20.

A rear-to-frame blade portion 45 which is a transverse portion (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S during use) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the blades of the cutting member group 29, the cutting edge 30a and a corresponding point on the inner rear longitudinal wall of the blade receiving section 56.

The total span of the blade receiving section 31 therefore corresponds to the sum of the sections 44, 40, 41, 42 and 45. In practice, the total span of the blade receiving section may be in the range of 7 to 15 mm.

As will be explained later, each blade mounting portion 71 is disposed on an inner surface 66 of a respective blade holder 32 which, in use, is oriented away from a shaving plane SH. The cutting edge 30 extends forwardly from the front of the blade holder 32. However, the blade holder 32 has a non-negligible thickness. For example, the blade holder 32 has a thickness in the range of 0.12 mm to 0.21 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.155 mm to 0.185, and most preferably 0.17 mm.

Accordingly, there is a non-negligible length defined as the transverse length (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S in use) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation between each cutting edge 30 and the blade mounting end of each blade holder 32 of each cutting member of the cutting member group 29. This may be referred to as the cutting edge-to-blade length 43 of a respective cutting member. The edge support length may be derived using trigonometry based on the thickness of the blade holder 32 and the angle of inclination relative to the shaving plane of the blade receiving section 31 of the blade holder 32.

In one example, each blade support 32 of the cutting member group 29 is identical and has the same thickness T2 and the same rake angle A. In this case, the cutting edge to blade sections 43a, 43b, 43c and 43d are identical.

In one example, one or more of the cutting edge to blade portions 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d are in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, and specifically 0.5 mm.

In one example, at least one blade holder 32 of the group 29 of cutting members has a different thickness and/or angle of inclination than the rest of the blade holders 32. In this case, at least one of the cutting edge to blade sections 43a will be different from the rest. One effect is that a cutting edge to blade section 43a-43d can be individually adjusted to provide more precise control over the skin bulging effects. For example, the cutting edge to blade section 43a-43d can be designed to progressively increase or decrease.

A pre-frame blade portion 44 is a transverse portion (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S in use) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the blades of the cutting member group 29. The pre-frame blade portion begins at a point on the inner anterior longitudinal wall 55 that is, in one example, closest to the shaving plane SH. The pre-frame blade portion ends at a corresponding point on the cutting edge 30d of the blade 33 of the anterior cutting member 28d that is, in one example, closest to the shaving plane SH.

In one example, the pre-blade frame section 44 is 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, and specifically 0.7 mm

A rear blade-to-frame section 45 is a transverse section (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S in use) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the blades of the cutting member group 29. The next blade-to-frame section begins at a point on the cutting edge 30a of the blade 33a of the rear cutting member 28a-d. The rear blade-to-frame section 45 ends at a corresponding point on the inner rear longitudinal wall 56 that is, in one example, closest to the shaving plane SH.

In one example, the post-blade frame section 44 is 1.6 mm to 2.0 mm, and specifically 1.8 mm

In one example, the pre-frame blade span 44 is larger than the post-frame blade span 45.

In one example, the pre-frame blade portion 44 is smaller than the post-frame blade portion 45. In one example, the pre-frame blade portion 44 is substantially the same as the post-frame blade portion 45.

In one example, the blade-to-frame span 44 is larger than the blade-to-frame span 40 above.

In one example, the pre-blade-to-frame span 44 is substantially the same as the pre-blade-to-frame span 40.

In one example, the blade-to-frame span 44 is smaller than the blade-to-frame span 40 above.

In one example, the rear blade-to-frame span 45 is greater than the rear blade-to-frame span 42.

In one example, the rear blade-to-frame span 45 is substantially the same as the rear inter-blade span 42.

In one example, the rear blade to frame span 45 is smaller than the rear blade to frame span 42.

In one example, each of the first intermediate inter-blade span 41 and the second intermediate inter-blade span 42 are substantially the same as the previous inter-blade span 40.

In one example, each of the first intermediate interblade span 41 and the second intermediate interblade span 42 are substantially the same as the subsequent interblade span 42.

In one example, the first intermediate blade span 41 is smaller than the previous blade span 41 and larger than the second intermediate blade span.

In one example, the second intermediate interblade span is the same as the trailing interblade span 42. In one example, a leading interblade span that is closest to the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge is greater than a trailing interblade span that is closest to the trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge.

Figure 5b also illustrates a first waste evacuation portion 46, a second waste evacuation portion 47 and a third waste evacuation portion 48. The width of the waste evacuation portions is defined by the relative spacing of the cutting members of the group 29 of cutting members. As illustrated, the first waste evacuation portion 46 is wider than the second waste evacuation portion 47, which, in turn, is wider than the third waste evacuation portion 48. One effect of this is that, during use, a greater amount of hair clippings and foam can be removed through the (relatively wider) first waste evacuation portion 46. This reduces the risk of blockage of the waste evacuation portions, particularly when the razor cartridge is used by infrequent razor users, because more problematic debris can escape through the (relatively wider) first waste evacuation portion 46.

The design size of the front blade to frame span 44 and/or the rear blade to frame span 45 is optional. The front blade to frame span 44 may be larger than, equal to, or smaller than the front blade span 40. The rear blade to frame span 45 may be larger than, equal to, or smaller than the rear blade span 42. The front blade span 40 is larger than the rear blade span 42.

In one example, the first intermediate blade span is equal to or less than the preceding blade span. In one example, the first intermediate blade span is equal to or greater than the following blade span. While a razor cartridge with four blades 33a-d has been illustrated, the present specification also includes a razor cartridge comprising three blades or more than four blades.

For example, five cutting members 28a-d may be arranged substantially parallel in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge 20, wherein a second intermediate inter-blade span is defined adjacent to the trailing inter-blade span 42.

In one example, each of the first intermediate interblade span 41 and the second intermediate interblade span 41 are substantially the same as the previous interblade span.

In one example, each of the first intermediate interblade span 41 and the second intermediate interblade span 42 are substantially the same as the subsequent interblade span 42.

In one example, the first intermediate blade span is smaller than the previous blade span and larger than the second intermediate blade span.

In one example, the second intermediate blade span is the same as the 42nd rear blade span.

In one example, the consecutive interblade spans of the razor cartridge successively decrease between the front longitudinal side 24 and the rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge in the shaving direction.

In one example, each of the blade holders 32a-d comprises a shaving plane contact portion 58 that is configured, in use, to contact the shaving plane SH in addition to the cutting edges 30 of the blades, thereby reducing the pressure at each cutting edge contact point with the shaving plane. Thus, the pressure at the cutting edge contact points can be reduced.

Figure 7 is a sectional perspective view of one end of a cutting member 28. The cutting member 28 is a subassembly comprising a longitudinal blade 33 mounted on a longitudinal blade holder 32. The lower portion of the blade holder 60 is suitable for being held in the holding slots 34 of the razor cartridge frame 21. A bend 62 of the longitudinal blade holder 32 defines an angle of approach of the longitudinal blade 33 to the shaving plane SH.

Returning briefly to Figure 9, the approach angle A defines the angle of declination of the inner surface of the blade holder 66 from the datum of the blade holder 32. In one example, A is an acute angle, preferably between 60 and 75 degrees, more preferably 68 degrees.

Returning to Figure 7, the longitudinal blade 33 comprises a cutting edge 30 capable of cutting hair. In one example, a rounded notch is cut from the metal sheet forming the blade holder 32.

Conventionally, a blade is mounted on the outer surface of a blade holder so that, during use, no part of the blade holder comes into contact with the shaving plane SH.

In particular, in the present aspects and embodiments, a blade mounting portion 71 of the blade holder 32 is disposed on an inner surface of the respective blade holder which, during use, faces away from a shaving plane SH, and a blade coupled to the blade mounting portion 71 as shown in Figure 7.

According to the present approach, the blade 33 is mounted on an inner surface of the respective blade holder and projects from beneath the inner surface defining a cutting edge to the blade span 43 between a cutting edge 30 of the blade and the end of the blade holder 32 toward the shaving plane SH. In use, when the cutting member 28 contacts the shaving plane SH, both the cutting edge of the blade 30 and the end of the blade holder 32 contact the shaving simultaneously, leading to a reduction in the force exerted on the shaving plane SH exerted by a single cutting edge, for example.

In other words, the position of a blade 33 in a blade holder 32 when a cutting member 28a-d is mounted on the razor cartridge is defined by the fact that an imaginary tangent provided from the surface of the blade 33 that is directed opposite to the shaving plane SH does not pass through any point of the blade holder 32 where the blade 33 is mounted.

A further definition of the position of a blade 33 in the blade holder is that, when a cutting member 28a-d is mounted on the razor cartridge, an imaginary tangent provided from the portion of the blade 33 in contact with the blade mounting portion 71 that is directed toward the shaving plane SH during use passes through the blade holder 32 where the blade 33 is mounted.

8 is a perspective view of a longitudinal blade support member 32 without a blade. It comprises a substantially elongated flat bottom portion 60, a substantially elongated flat top side 65, and a radius bending portion 62. The radius bending portion 62 may have an inner curvature radius RO that is greater than 0.1 mm. The radius bending portion 62 may have an inner curvature radius RO that is less than 0.9 mm. A recommended minimum inner curvature radius RO of sheet metal should be at least equal to its thickness T. A safety factor of the thickness of the blade support 32 may be applied. By multiplying the safety factor by the preferable thickness of T (about 0.17 mm), the curvature radius RO may be about 0.25 mm, preferably, between 0.16 mm and 0.40 mm, and most preferably, between 0.25 mm or 0.28 mm.

Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a cutting member 28 comprising a blade mounting portion 71 disposed on an inner surface of a blade holder which, during use, faces away from a shaving plane SH.

As discussed, the blade holder 32 may be made from a piece of flat sheet metal which is bent before welding the blade 33 to the inner surface 66 of the blade holder 32. The cutting member 28 therefore comprises a blade 33 (razor blade).

The blade 33 has, at its flat portion, a thickness T1 of about 0.1 mm (e.g., between 0.04 and 0.11 mm). The total length L2 of the blade 33 between the cutting edge 30 of the blade 33 and the opposite trailing edge of the blade 33 is about 1 mm (e.g., between 0.8 mm and 1.3 mm). The portion of the blade 33 which is in contact with the inner surface 66 of a blade holder which, during use, is oriented away from a shaving plane SH has a length L1 which is about 0.49 mm /- 0.1 mm long. In this way, good retention of the blade on the underside of the blade holder 32 (the inner surface of the blade holder 32) is ensured.

In one example, the height H of the cutting member 28 is between 2.53 mm and 2.63 mm, preferably 2.58 mm.

In one example, the front end 72 of the blade holder is rounded or chamfered to improve the sliding properties of the cutting member.

In one example, the blade 33 may be positioned on the inner surface 66 of the blade holder 32 to adjust the exposure E of the cutting edge 30 positively or negatively compared to the shaving plane SH. The exposure is a measure of how prominently the cutting edge 30 of a blade protrudes above or dips below the end 72 of its blade holder.

In one example, the blade 33 may be positioned to have an exposure with respect to the shaving plane SH in the range of -80 um to 80 um, more preferably, an exposure of approximately -75 um, -65 um, -60 um, -55 um, -50 um, -45 um, -40 um, -35 um, -30 um, -25 um, -20 um, -15 um, - 10 um, -5 um, 0 um, 5 um, 10 um, 15 um, 20 um, 25 um, 30 um, 35 um, 40 um, 45 um, 50 um, 55 um, 60 um , 65 um, 70 um or 75 um.

The length L3 of the cutting member 28, between the cutting edge 30 and the outer face of the lower portion of the blade holder 32, is approximately 1.0 mm (for example, between 0.9 mm and 1.6 mm).

The blade 33 is secured to the inner surface 66 of the blade holder by any known means, such as by laser spot welding. Preferably, the blade 33 is secured to the inner surface 66 of the blade holder by a plurality of spot welds (e.g., ten to sixteen spot welds) distributed along the longitudinal dimension of the blade holder 32. Each of the spot welds may be made on the inner face 70 of the blade 33. Alternatively, each of the spot welds may be made on the outer surface of the blade holder 68, or a mixture of the two.

Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary schematic side view of a cutting member group 29 with inter-blade spans according to an illustrative implementation. Four razor blades of the razor cartridge according to one embodiment. Figure 10 illustrates that the leading inter-blade span 40 is larger than the trailing inter-blade span 42.

In Figure 10, the first intermediate blade span 41 is smaller than the preceding blade span 40, but larger than the trailing blade span 42; however, this is not an essential characteristic. For example, the first intermediate blade span 41 may be the same as the trailing blade span 42 or the leading blade span 40.

Specific measurements of the blade pitch separation distance intervals will now be discussed. A skilled person will appreciate that many choices and combinations of blade pitches can be made to satisfy the above-discussed characteristics of the razor cartridge 20, and that the following discussion is not limited to the values described.

In one example, the above blade spacing 40 is within a range of 1.6 mm to 2.2 mm, 1.70 mm to 2 mm, or 1.75 mm to 1.95 mm.

When three cutting members 28a-c are present, the above defined forward blade spacings may still be applied, in combination with a rearward blade spacing 42 within a range of 1.6 mm to 2.2 mm, 1.70 mm to 2.00 mm, or within 1.75 mm to 1.95 mm.

When four cutting members 28a-d are present, the rear blade span 42 is within a range of 1.6 mm to 2.2 mm, 1.70 mm to 2.00 mm, or within 1.75 mm to 1.95 mm.

According to the invention, the above blade spacing 40 is within a range of 1.7 mm to 2.2 mm, 1.8 mm to 2.0 mm, or is 1.85 mm.

In one example, the first intermediate blade span 41 is within a range of 1.55 mm to 1.95 mm, 1.60 mm to 1.80 mm, or is 1.70 mm.

In one example, the rear blade spacing 42 is within a range of 1.4 mm to 1.8 mm, preferably 1.50 mm to 1.65 mm, or is 1.55 mm.

In one example, the blade-to-frame span 44 is within a range of 0.4 to 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm, or is 0.7 mm.

In one example, the rear blade to frame span 45 is within a range of 1.7 mm to 2.2 mm, 1.8 mm to 2.0 mm, or is 1.85 mm.

However, any possible combination of blade spacing is possible, provided that a front blade spacing that is closest to the front longitudinal side 24 of the razor cartridge is greater than a rear blade spacing that is closest to the rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge.

The ranges discussed above are generally increased compared to conventional razor cartridges. The rinsing capability of a cartridge as discussed herein is generally improved because more space is available between the cutting members 28a-d for debris to flow closer to the leading edge of the razor cartridge 20. The size of the bulges in the skin is also reduced, resulting in increased shaving performance.

In a preferred embodiment, where the front inter-blade span 40 is larger compared to the first intermediate inter-blade span 41 or the rear inter-blade span 42, the first two blades that cut the most hair are spaced far enough apart to ensure that debris can be easily removed. The rest of the blades may have a narrower IBS to reduce the risk of nicks and cuts. Therefore, a safer shaving experience is provided with a reduced amount of nicks and irritation. Providing the blade support “on top” of the blade provides an additional skin contact element (as well as the cutting edges 30 of the blades) that supports the skin during shaving.

Figure 11 illustrates a side view of a blade arrangement illustrating the reduction of skin bulge when the blade support member is allowed to contact the skin during shaving.

Figure 12 illustrates an additional side view of a blade arrangement illustrating the benefit of allowing the blade support member to contact the skin.

Figure 13 illustrates a method of manufacturing a razor cartridge according to a further aspect.

The method comprises:

obtaining 74 a razor cartridge housing, and three or more cutting members 28a-c, wherein each of the cutting members 28a-c comprises a blade holder comprising a blade mounting portion 71 disposed on an inner surface 66 of the respective blade holder which, in use, is oriented away from a shaving plane (SH), and a blade coupled to the blade mounting portion 71; and disposing the three or more cutting members 28a-d between a front longitudinal side 24 and a rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge housing in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge, wherein, in use, the inner surface of the respective blade holder is oriented away from a shaving plane (SH);

wherein the cutting members 28a-d define a plurality of inter-blade spans between the cutting edges 30 of the blades; and

wherein a front inter-blade span that is closest to the front longitudinal side 24 of the razor cartridge is greater than a rear inter-blade span that is closest to the rear longitudinal side 25 of the razor cartridge.

1 illustrates a razor assembly 1 according to a further aspect. The razor assembly 1 comprises a razor handle 2 and a razor cartridge 20 according to the first aspect or one of its embodiments, wherein the razor cartridge is releasably coupled to the razor handle by a rotatable or non-rotatable connection, is integrally formed with the razor handle by a non-rotatable connection, or is integrally formed with the razor handle by a rotatable connection.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a razor handle 2 and a razor cartridge holder comprising a plurality of razor cartridges 20 according to the first aspect or its embodiments.

In the above specification, a razor blade comprising at least three cutting members 28ac in appearance may have a fourth and a fifth blade, according to specific embodiments. The leading inter-blade span, the trailing inter-blade span, the first intermediate inter-blade span, and where applicable, the second inter-blade span, are defined between the cutting edges 30 of the respective three, four, or five blades. For example, in the case of three cutting members 28a-c, a first intermediate blade span and a second inter-blade span are not present. In an embodiment with four cutting members 28a-d, a second intermediate inter-blade span is not present. In an embodiment with five blades, the leading inter-blade span, the first and second intermediate inter-blade spans, and a trailing inter-blade span are present. In the above specification, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that it is not necessary to employ specific details to practice the present invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims.

Reference numbers

5 Shaving direction

SH shaving plane

L longitudinal direction

IBS section between blades

RO inner curvature radius

T1 razor blade thickness

T2 thickness of blade holder

1 set of razor

2 grip

4 proximal portions

5a, 5b release mechanism

6 distal portion

7 thumb rest

8 rotating bearing members

9 grip grips

12 bulge

14 skin contact point

16 first side portion

18 second side portion

20 razor cartridge

21 frame

22 platform member

23 protective cover member

24 anterior longitudinal side

25 posterior longitudinal side

26 first retainer

27 second retainer

28a-d shear member

29 group of cutting members

30a-d cutting edge

31a-d blade receiving section

32 blade holder

33a-d blade

34a-d clamping slots

35 cross member

36 blade holder guide

38a-d flexible finger

40 section between previous blades

41 first section between intermediate blades

42 rear blade section

43a-d section of cutting edge to blade

44 section of blade before frame

45 rear blade section to frame

46 first portion of waste evacuation

47 second portion of waste evacuation

48 third portion of waste evacuation

49 rear longitudinal assembly

50 longitudinal skin care element

52 retractable cover

53 trimmer blade

54 trimmer blade holder

55 inner front longitudinal wall of blade receiving section 31 56 inner rear longitudinal wall of blade receiving section 31 58 shaving plane contact portion

60 lower portion of blade holder

62 radius bending

rounded notch

upper side of the blade support member

inner surface of the blade holder

outer surface of the blade holder

inner face of the blade

blade mounting portion

rounded front end of blade holder

obtain a razor cartridge housing and three or more cutting members... arrange the three or more cutting members.

Claims (10)

i. A razor cartridge (20) comprising: - three or more substantially parallel cutting members (28a-d) disposed between a front longitudinal side (24) and a rear longitudinal side (25) of the razor cartridge in a shaving direction (S) of the razor cartridge; wherein each of the cutting members (28a-d) comprises a blade holder (32) comprising a blade mounting portion (71) disposed on an inner surface (66) of the respective blade holder which, during use, faces away from a shaving plane (SH), and a blade (33) coupled to the blade mounting portion (71); wherein the cutting members (28a-d) are arranged to define a plurality of inter-blade spans (40, 41, 42) between the cutting edges (30) of the blades; and wherein a front interblade span (40) that is closer to the front longitudinal side (24) of the razor cartridge than a rear interblade span (42) is greater than the rear interblade span (42) that is closer to the rear longitudinal side (25) of the razor cartridge than the front interblade span, characterized in that the front interblade span (40) is in the range of 1.70 mm to 2.20 mm, more specifically, 1.80 mm to 2.00 mm and, most specifically, 1.85 mm. 2. A razor cartridge (20) according to claim 1, further comprising: - a first and a second waste evacuation portion (46, 47) arranged at least in correspondence with the front interblade section (40) and the rear interblade section (42), respectively, wherein the first waste evacuation portion (46) is sized to direct relatively more waste than the second waste evacuation portion (47) out of the respective front or rear longitudinal interblade sections (40, 42) during shaving and/or rinsing. 3. The razor cartridge (20) according to any of claims 1 or 2, comprising: - a fourth substantially parallel cutting member disposed between the front (24) and rear (25) longitudinal sides of the razor cartridge in the shaving direction (S) of the razor cartridge, wherein a first intermediate inter-blade section (41) is further defined between the front inter-blade section (40) and the rear inter-blade section (42). 4. The razor cartridge (20) according to claim 3, where the first intermediate blade section (41) is equal to or less than the previous blade section (40). 5. The razor cartridge (20) according to claim 3 or 4, where the first intermediate blade section (41) is equal to or greater than the subsequent blade section (42). 6. The razor cartridge (20) according to one of claims 3 to 5, where the first intermediate blade span (41) is in the range of 1.55 mm to 1.95 mm, more specifically, 1.60 mm to 1.80 mm and, most specifically, 1.70 mm. 7. The razor cartridge (20) according to one of the preceding claims, where the rear blade spacing (42) is in the range of 1.4 mm to 1.8 mm, more specifically, 1.50 mm to 1.65 mm and, most specifically, 1.55 mm. 8. The razor cartridge (20) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein one or more of the front interblade span (40), the first intermediate interblade span (41) and/or the rear interblade span (42) is in the range of 1.6 mm to 2.2 mm, more specifically, 1.70 mm to 2.00 mm, or 1.75 mm to 1.95 mm. 9. The razor cartridge (20) according to one of claims 3 to 8, comprising: - a fifth substantially parallel cutting member disposed in a shaving direction (S) of the razor cartridge, wherein a second intermediate inter-blade section is defined adjacent to the rear inter-blade section (42). 10. The razor cartridge (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the blade holders (32) comprises a shaving plane contact portion that is configured, in use, to contact the shaving plane (SH) in addition to the cutting edges (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) of the blades, thereby reducing pressure at the cutting edge contact points with the shaving plane. The razor cartridge (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the consecutive inter-blade sections (40, 41, 42) of the razor cartridge successively decrease between the front longitudinal side (24) and the rear longitudinal side (25) of the razor cartridge in the shaving direction (S). A method of manufacturing a razor cartridge comprising: obtaining (74) a razor cartridge housing, and three or more cutting members (28a-d), wherein each of the cutting members (28a-d) comprises a blade holder (32) comprising a blade mounting portion (71) disposed on an inner surface (66) of the respective blade holder which, in use, faces away from a shaving plane (SH), and a blade coupled to the blade mounting portion; and arranging (76) the cutting members (28a-d) between a front longitudinal side and a rear longitudinal side of the razor cartridge housing in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge, wherein, during use, the inner surface of the respective blade holder is oriented away from a shaving plane (SH); wherein the cutting members (28a-d) define a plurality of inter-blade spans between the cutting edges of the blades; and wherein a front interblade span that is closer to the front longitudinal side of the razor cartridge than a rear interblade span is greater than the rear interblade span that is closer to the rear longitudinal side of the razor cartridge than the front interblade span, characterized in that the front interblade span is in the range of 1.70 mm to 2.20 mm, more specifically, 1.80 mm to 2.00 mm, and most specifically, 1.85 mm. A shaver set (1) comprising: -a razor handle (2); - a razor cartridge (20) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the razor cartridge is releasably coupled to the razor handle by a rotatable or non-rotatable connection (8), is integrally formed with the razor handle by a non-rotatable connection, or is integrally formed with the razor handle by a rotatable connection. A kit of parts comprising: -a razor handle; and - a razor cartridge holder comprising a plurality of razor cartridges (20) according to one of claims 1 to 11.