Patent Publication Number: US-11020866-B2

Title: Handle for a razor

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to shaving razor handles and systems, and more particularly to razor handles with increased bending strength. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The shaving razor category has many different razor configurations, including razors that are “system” razors that have handles with replaceable cartridges, and disposable razors where the handle and cartridge are used together and thrown out after a time. Razors vary based on many attributes such as number of blades, cartridge shape, chemistry features on the cartridge and so forth. 
     In some shaving systems, the blades are resiliently mounted with respect to the cartridge housing and deflect under the force of skin contact during shaving. Connection of the cartridge to the handle may provide a pivotal mounting of the cartridge with respect to the handle (i.e., a front-to-back pivoting motion) so that the cartridge angle adjusts to follow the contours of the surface being shaved. In such systems, the cartridge may be biased toward an at-rest or home position by the action of a spring-biased plunger (a cam follower) carried on the handle against a cam surface on the cartridge housing. 
     Many razor handles are made from two separate components comprising, for example, a thermoplastic polymer, that are joined together via ultrasonic welding, adhesive, and/or other suitable methods. These razor handles are subjected to a variety of forces including impact and bending forces, such as during shaving and cartridge replacement when one end of the handle is held rigid and the other end is placed under a load. Over time, these forces may damage the handle and cause the two pieces to begin separating, cracking, etc. 
     Thus, there is a need for a two-piece razor handle with improved bending strength, and preferably with a rotatable portion, that is simpler, cost-effective, reliable, durable, easier and/or faster to manufacture, and easier and/or faster to assemble with more precision. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a shaving razor handle is provided that comprises: a body defined by a top shell joined to a bottom shell, the body comprising an open end, in which one of the top shell or the bottom shell comprises a substantially continuous band of material that forms the open end of the body. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a shaving razor handle is provided that comprises: a body defined by a top shell joined to a bottom shell, the body comprising an open end, in which one of the top shell or the bottom shell comprises a substantially continuous band of material that forms the open end of the body; and a forward assembly coupled to the body, in which at least a portion of the forward assembly rotates relative to the body. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a shaving razor handle is provided that comprises: a top shell and a bottom shell joined to the top shell to define a body, in which one of the top shell or the bottom shell comprises a substantially continuous band of material that forms an open end of the body and in which an inner edge of the one of the top shell or the bottom shell comprises: a substantially linear portion extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body; and a curved portion extending between the substantially linear portion and the substantially continuous band of material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a razor handle in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top, perspective view of a razor system comprising a handle and a cartridge; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom, perspective view of the razor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a top shell of a razor handle in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of a portion of a razor handle in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  is a partial, cross-sectional view of one end of the top shell of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a shaft in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a bottom shell of a razor handle in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view of the razor handle of  FIG. 2  taken along line  8 A- 8 A in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of another razor handle in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a cover and a shaft in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a cover and a connecting portion in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A , a razor system  10  comprises a handle  12  and a cartridge  14 , which may be replaceable. The cartridge  14  comprises a cartridge housing  16 , which carries a plurality of blades  18 , a guard structure  20 , and a cap structure  22 . The cartridge  14  may also comprise an interconnect member  24  on which the cartridge housing  16  is pivotally mounted. The interconnect member  24  includes a base  26 , which is releasably received by a cartridge-connecting assembly  30  of the handle  12  and two arms  28  that pivotally support the cartridge housing  16 . The cartridge housing  16  pivots about an axis A (see  FIG. 2 ) relative to the interconnect member  24  in a direction indicated by arrow B in  FIG. 2 . The cartridge housing  16  comprises a cam surface  32  that is acted upon by a spring-biased plunger  34  of the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 . When the base  26  is connected to the handle  12 , the plunger  34  passes through an opening (not shown) formed in the base  26  and engages the cam surface  32  on the cartridge housing  16  to bias the cartridge housing  16  to a rest or home position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The cartridge-connecting assembly  30  further comprises an eject assembly comprising a housing  35 , a button  36 , and eject fingers  37 , one of which is shown in  FIG. 8A , wherein the fingers  37  are fixedly coupled to the button  36  and mounted in the housing  35 . The button  36  is received in a slot in a connecting portion  64  of the handle  12 . When the button  36  is pushed toward the cartridge housing  16 , the eject fingers  37  extend out from the housing  35  and eject the cartridge  14 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cartridge-connecting assembly  30  may comprise a conventional GILLETTE MACH3® docking interface. In other examples, the handle  12  may be provided with other docking interfaces, such as a GILLETTE FUSION® interface. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the handle  12  comprises a body  40  comprising a top shell  42  joined to a bottom shell  44 , which may together define an elongated gripping structure. The body  40  comprises a first end  40 A (also referred to herein as an open end) and a second end  40 B opposite the first end  40 A. While the first end  40 A defines an open end and the second end  40 B defines a closed end in the illustrated embodiment, in other examples (not shown), both ends  40 A,  40 B may be open. In some examples, the body  40  may be substantially straight, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A  (see also  FIGS. 8A and 9 ). In other examples (not shown), one or more sections of the body  40  may be offset or curved relative to one or more other sections and/or to a major longitudinal axis A 40  of the body  40  (see  FIG. 5A ). The body  40  may be substantially hollow and may receive a metal weight or rod  46 , as described in more detail below. The metal rod  46  may comprise, for example, stainless steel with zinc plating. 
     As described herein in more detail, a forward assembly  50  may be coupled to the body  40 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 and 8A , in which the forward assembly  50  may comprise a handle-engaging assembly  60  and a head assembly  62 . The handle-engaging assembly  60  may be coupled to, and received in, the open end  40 A of the body  40  and may comprise a shaft  52 , a spring  54 , and an optional cover  56 . The head assembly  62  may be coupled to the handle-engaging assembly  60 . In particular, the head assembly  62  may comprise the connecting portion  64  and the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 , in which the connecting portion  64  may be fixedly coupled at a forward end  64 A to the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 , e.g., via pins (not shown), and at a rear end  64 B to the handle-engaging assembly  60 . The forward end  64 A of the connecting portion  64  may comprise a cavity  66  that receives the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 . When present, the cover  56  maybe positioned between the body  40  and the head assembly  62 . In some examples, at least a portion of the forward assembly  50  may rotate relative to the body  40 , as described herein in detail. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4, 5A, and 7 , the top shell and bottom shell  42 ,  44  may be joined at one or more points along their respective inner edges  92 ,  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 4, 5A, and 7 , in which the inner edges  92 ,  100  define a mating surface or interface along which the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  are joined to each other. The top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may be joined using one or more of ultrasonic welding, adhesive, and a snap or friction fit. The inner edges  92 ,  100  of the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may be substantially planar, and in some examples, the top and/or and bottom shell  42 ,  44  may comprise a welding feature (not shown) extending around at least a portion of the respective inner edge  92 ,  100  that helps to join the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44 . The welding feature may comprise a rib extending outward from one or both of the inner edges  92 ,  100 . The rib may be sacrificed during the ultrasonic welding process and helps to join the inner edges  92 ,  100  together. 
     The top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may be formed, for example, by molding and may comprise two or more layers and/or types of material. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 4, and 5B , the top shell  42  may comprise an inner layer  43  that may comprise, for example, polycarbonate/polyethylene terephthalate (PC/PET), and an outer layer  45  that may comprise, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The outer layer  45  may receive a metallic outer coating, e.g., chrome, via a conventional electroplating process. The top shell  42  may further comprise a plurality of upper gripping pads  38 . The bottom shell  44  may comprise an inner layer  47  that may comprise PC/PET, and an outer layer  49  that forms a lower gripping pad. In the assembled handle  12 , the upper gripping pads  38  and the outer layer  49  of the bottom shell  44  provide a hand-gripping structure and may comprise an elastomeric polymeric outer gripping layer (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer) and a nonelastomeric polymeric support layer (e.g., of polypropylene or ABS). The inner layers  43 ,  47  of the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may preferably comprise one or more materials that are durable and suitable for ultrasonic welding and/or adhesive. While the material(s) that make up the inner layers  43  are generally able to withstand the chemicals associated with the chrome plating, they may be unsuitable for chrome plating as they may not be good conductors of electrons. The outer layer  45  of the top shell  42  may comprise one or more materials that are suitable for chrome plating, e.g., have good electrical conductive properties. It is further contemplated that each of the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may comprise only a single layer and/or type of material. In these examples, the single layer of material that defines the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  would generally be thicker, as compared to the layers  43 ,  45  and  47 ,  49  of the (multilayer) top and bottom shells  42 ,  44 , to provide the required strength and durability. In all examples, the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may be made by one-shot molding, two-shot molding, etc. 
     The inner edge  92  of the top shell  42  may be defined by edge portions of both the inner and outer layers  43  and  45 . Further, the inner edge  100  of the bottom shell  44  may be formed by edge portions of both the inner layer  47  and the outer layer  49 . In the illustrated example, the edge portion of the inner layer  43  forming part of the inner edge  92  of the top shell  42  is ultrasonically welded to the edge portion of the inner layer  47  forming part of the inner edge  100  of the bottom shell  44 . In other examples, the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may be joined by ultrasonically welding and/or adhering the edge portion of the outer layer  45  forming part of the inner edge  92  of the top shell  42  to the edge portion of the outer layer  49  forming part of the inner edge  100  of the bottom shell  44 . 
     One or more structures may be formed in or on a respective interior surface  42 A,  44 A of the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44 , e.g., during the molding process. These one or more structures may, for example, help to align the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  with respect to each other during assembly; hold the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  together; position the metal rod  46 ; and engage one or more other components of the handle  12 , as described in detail below. With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the bottom shell  44  may comprise a first protrusion  80  and a pair of second protrusions  82  extending outward from the interior surface  44 A of the bottom shell  44 . The first protrusion  80  is received in a corresponding recess  70  formed in the inner edge  92  of the top shell  42 , e.g., by a friction fit. The pair of second protrusions  82  are received in a corresponding pair of sockets  72  formed in the interior surface  42 A of the top shell  42 , e.g., by a friction fit. The bottom shell  44  may also comprise a projection  84  that extends outward from the interior surface  44 A and fits over a corresponding structure  76  formed on the interior surface  42 A of the top shell  42 , e.g., by a friction fit or ultrasonic welding. The top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may further comprise one or more additional structures (not separately labeled) that assist in aligning the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  during assembly and/or holding the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  together. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4, 7, and 8A , the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may define a cavity  48  with one or more structures that receive and position the metal rod  46  within the cavity  48 . For example, the bottom shell  44  may comprise cradle structure  86  that receives and supports the metal rod  46 , and the top shell  42  may comprise an elongated projection  74  extending outward from the interior surface  42 A along at least a portion of the cavity  48  that aligns the metal rod  46  and holds it in place in the cradle structure  86  when the handle  12  is assembled. A forward end  46 A of the metal rod  46  may rest against a shoulder  78  formed in the top shell  42 , and a rear end  46 B of the metal rod  46  may rest against the U-shaped projection  84  formed in the bottom shell  44 . 
     One of the top shell  42  or the bottom shell  44  may comprise a structure that forms or defines the open end  40 A of the body  40 . With reference to  FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, and 5B , in some examples, the top shell  42  may comprise a substantially continuous band of material  90  that solely forms or defines the open end  40 A of the body  40  in the assembled handle  12 . Hence, in this example, the open end  40 A of the body  40  is formed solely within the top shell  42 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5A , the inner edge  92  of the top shell  42  may comprise first and second substantially linear portions  94 A,  94 B that extend substantially parallel to the major longitudinal axis A 40  of the body  40 ; first and second connecting portions  96 A,  96 B that extend between respective ones of the first and second substantially linear portions  94 A,  94 B and the substantially continuous band of material  90 ; and an intermediate portion  98  that extends between and connects the first connecting portion  96 A with the second connecting portion  96 B, in which the intermediate portion  98 , in the illustrated embodiment, comprises at least a portion of the continuous band of material  90 . More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the intermediate portion  98  of the inner edge  92  is defined by a portion  43 A of the inner layer  43  of the top shell  42 , which portion  43 A forms part of the continuous band of material  90  and defines the recess  70  and a pair of generally planar sections  143 A on opposing sides of the recess  70 . The intermediate portion  98  of the inner edge  92  may also be defined by an adjacent portion of the outer layer  45  of the top shell  42 . As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5A , in some examples, the first and second connecting portions  96 A,  96 B may be curved or arched. In other examples (not shown), the first and second connecting portions  96 A,  96 B may be substantially linear and may extend at an angle between the first and second substantially linear portions  94 A,  94 B and the intermediate portion  98 . In further examples (not shown), one or more sections of the portions  94 A,  94 B may be non-linear, e.g., comprising a curve or other shape. In yet further examples (not shown), one or more sections of the inner layer  43  may comprise a different shape, as compared to the corresponding section(s) of the outer layer  45 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the inner edge  100  of the bottom shell  44  may comprise third and fourth substantially linear portions  102 A,  102 B that extend substantially parallel to one another; third and fourth connecting portions  104 A,  104 B, and an intermediate portion  106 , in which the intermediate portion  106  connects the third connecting portion  104 A with the fourth connecting portion  104 B. 
     After the bottom shell  44  is assembled to the top shell  42 , the inner edges  92  and  100  are located adjacent to one another. More specifically, the first and second substantially linear portions  94 A,  94 B of the top shell  42  are adjacent to the third and fourth linear portions  102 A,  102 B of the bottom shell  44 ; the first and second connecting portions  96 A,  96 B of the top shell  42  are adjacent to the third and fourth connecting portions  104 A,  104 B of the bottom shell  44 ; and the intermediate portion  98  of the top shell  42  is adjacent to the intermediate portion  106  of the bottom shell  44 . As noted above, the edges  92  and  100  may be joined using one or more of ultrasonic welding, adhesive, and a snap or friction fit. In all examples, the inner edge  100  of the bottom shell  44  may comprise a shape that corresponds to adjacent portions of the inner edge  92  of the top shell  42 . For example, when the connecting portions  96 A,  96 B of the top shell  42  extend at an angle and/or the portions  94 A,  94 B of the top shell  42  comprise a non-linear shape as described above, the corresponding portions  102 A,  102 B,  104 A,  104 B of the bottom shell  44  may comprise a corresponding shape. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the substantially continuous band of material  90  is defined by the top shell  42 , which may comprise the inner layer  43  and the outer layer  45 , as shown, or may comprise a single layer (not shown). The substantially continuous band of material  90  may comprise a substantially annular shape that may be defined between a forward edge  90 B, which may comprise a point on the substantially continuous band of material  90  that is furthest from the second end  40 B of the body  40 , and a rear edge  90 C, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In some particular examples, the substantially continuous band of material  90  may comprise a solid (continuous and without any gaps) band of material that extends completely around the open end  40 A of the body  40  in a circumferential direction. In other examples, the substantially continuous band of material  90  may have one or more gaps or slits represented by lines  124  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 4 ) defined between adjacent sections of material. In some instances, when a gap/slit is present in the substantially continuous band of material  90 , the top shell  42  may comprise a pair of recesses (not shown) in place of the single recess  70  that are located on either side of the gap/slit (e.g., near the current location of the generally planar sections  143 A), and the bottom shell  44  may comprise a pair of protrusions (not shown; near the current location of the intermediate portion  106 ) in place of the single protrusion  80  that are received in the pair of recesses to help stabilize the gap/slit and hold the adjacent sections of material in proximity to each other. The substantially continuous band of material  90  may define a continuous arc extending circumferentially from about 335 degrees to about 360 degrees, preferably from about 340 degrees to about 360 degrees, and most preferably comprises an arc of 360 degrees (i.e., continuous and without any gaps or slits). If a gap/slit is provided, it may comprise an arc extending circumferentially slightly greater than 0 degrees and less than 25 degrees and preferably slightly greater than 0 degrees and less than 20 degrees. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , in other examples, a handle  12 ′ may comprise a top shell  42 ′ and a bottom shell  44 ′ that are joined to form a body  40 ′, in which the bottom shell  44 ′ comprises a substantially continuous band of material  90 ′ that forms or defines an open end  40 A′ of the body  40 ′. In this example, the open end  40 A′ of the body  40 ′ is formed solely within the bottom shell  44 ′, i.e., solely by the continuous band of material  90 ′ of the bottom shell  44 ′. An inner edge  100 ′ of the bottom shell  44 ′ comprises a first substantially linear portion  94 A′ that extends substantially parallel to a major longitudinal axis A 40′  of the body  40 ′ and a first connecting portion  96 A′ that extends between the first substantially linear portion  94 A′ and the substantially continuous band of material  90 ′. Although not visible in  FIG. 9 , similar to the top shell  42  in  FIG. 4 , the inner edge  100 ′ of the bottom shell  44 ′ may further comprise a second substantially linear portion and a second connecting portion. The shape of the respective inner edges  92 ′,  100 ′ may be as described above in detail with respect to the inner edges  92 ,  100  of the handle  12 . In particular, the first and second connecting portions  96 A′ may be curved or arched, as shown, or may be substantially linear (not shown), as described in detail above. An intermediate portion  98 ′ may extend between and connect the first connecting portion  96 A′ with the second connecting portion, in which the intermediate portion  98 ′ may comprise at least a portion of the continuous band of material  90 ′, also as described above. 
     The substantially continuous band of material  90 ′ formed on the bottom shell  44 ′ may comprise features substantially similar to corresponding portions of the substantially continuous band of material  90  formed on the top shell  42  and may comprise a substantially annular shape which may be defined between a forward edge  90 B′ and a rear edge  90 C′. Also as described above, the substantially continuous band of material  90 ′ may comprise a solid (continuous and without any gaps) band of material that extends completely around the open end  40 A′ of the body  40 ′ in a circumferential direction, and in other examples (not shown), the substantially continuous band of material  90 ′ may have one or more gaps or slits ‘defined between adjacent sections of material. In some instances, the substantially continuous band of material  90 ’ may comprise a relatively small axial section of material, extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A 40′  of the body  40 ′. In other instances, the substantially continuous band of material  90 ′ may comprise a larger axial section of material. For instance, in other embodiments and with continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the inner edge  100 ′ of the bottom shell  44 ′ may comprise the substantially linear portion  94 A′ and one of a first connecting portion  102  or a first connecting portion  102 ′, both shown in dotted line and one of which is used in place of the first connecting portion  96 A′. Each of the connecting portions  102 ,  102 ′ may be curved, as shown, or may be substantially linear (not shown). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 6, 7, 8A, and 10 , the shaft  52  of the handle-engaging assembly  60  may extend between the body  40  and the connecting portion  64 . In particular, the shaft  52  may extend partially into the body  40 , i.e., a rear end  52 B of the shaft  52  may be received in the open end  40 A of the body  40 , as described herein in more detail. The shaft  52  may further be coupled at a forward end  52 A to the head assembly  62 , and more particularly, to the connecting portion  64 . With reference to  FIGS. 6, 8A, and 11 , the connecting portion  64  may comprise a post  112  extending outward from the rear end  64 B, and the forward end  52 A of the shaft  52  may fit over and receive a portion of the post  112 . The connecting portion  64  may comprise inner and outer portions (not separately labeled), in which the inner portion may comprise, for example, ABS and may include the post  112  and recesses  118 A to  118 C (see  FIG. 11 ) and the outer portion may comprise, for example, PC/PET and may receive a metallic outer coating, e.g., chrome, via a conventional electroplating process. In the example shown, an interior surface  53  of the shaft  52  may comprise a shoulder  55  that engages the post  112 . As described in more detail below, the forward end  52 A of the shaft may be coupled to the post  112  via a friction fit and/or via one or more other suitable techniques, such as ultrasonic welding or adhesive, and preferably is fixed to the post  112  so as not to rotate relative to the post  112  or disengage from the post  112 . 
     The spring  54  may extend between the body  40  and the connecting portion  64 , with the shaft  52  surrounding at least a portion of the spring  54 . The spring  54  may comprise, for example, a flat torsion spring with a forward end  54 A and a rear end  54 B and may comprise, for example, stainless steel. The top shell  42  may comprise a first spring receiving structure  110 , which may be formed adjacent to and/or share a wall with the shoulder  78  and may receive the rear end  54 B of the spring  54 . The first spring receiving structure  110  may comprise, for example, first, second, and third projections  110 A- 110 C formed on the interior surface  42 A of the top shell  42 . The first and second projections  110 A,  110 B may be located substantially opposite the third projection  110 C. A portion of the first and second projections  110 A,  110 B may extend toward the third projection  110 C, and a portion of the third projection  110 C may extend inward at least partially between the first and second projections  110 A,  110 B, such that when the rear end  54 B of the spring  54  is inserted into the first spring receiving structure  110 , the portion of the third projection  110 C contacts the rear end  54 B of the spring  54  and pushes it against the portions of the first and second projections  110 A,  110 B to hold the spring  54  in place, at least in part, via a friction fit. 
     The forward end  54 A of the spring  54  may be received in a second spring receiving structure  114  formed within the post  112  in the connecting portion  64 . Similar to the first spring receiving structure  110 , the second spring receiving structure  114  may comprise first, second, and third projections  114 A- 114 C, in which the first and second projections  114 A,  114 B may be located substantially opposite the third projection  114 C. A portion of the first and second projections  114 A,  114 B extend inward toward the third projection  114 C, and a portion of the third projection  114 C may extend inward at least partially between the first and second projections  114 A,  114 B, such that when the forward end  54 A of the spring  54  is inserted into the second spring receiving structure  114 , the portion of the third projection  114 C contacts the forward end  54 A of the spring  54  and pushes it against the portions of the first and second projections  114 A,  114 B to hold the spring  54  in place, at least in part, via a friction fit. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3, 5A, and 8A , the cover  56  may optionally be positioned between the open end  40 A of the body  40  and the connecting portion  64 . The cover  56  may comprise, for example, ABS that may be coated, e.g., using vacuum metal deposition, with a metal such as aluminum, and a clear coat may be applied over the metal coating. The cover  56  may comprise a central opening  56 A that receives the shaft  52  such that the cover  56  surrounds at least a portion of the shaft  52 . An outer surface  51  of the shaft  52  may comprise one or more structures that engage one or more portions of the cover  56  to, for example, align the shaft  52  with the cover  56 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 10 , the forward end  52 A of the shaft  52  may comprise one more circumferential ridges  52 - 1  to  52 - 3  formed in the outer surface  51  of the shaft  52 . The shaft  52  may comprise, for example, ABS and may be molded so as to form the circumferential ridges  52 - 1  to  52 - 3  and other structures described herein. When the shaft  52  is inserted into the central opening  56 A of the cover  56 , the circumferential ridges  52 - 1  to  52 - 3  engage an interior surface  57  of the cover  56  defining the central opening  56 A of the cover  56 . One or more of the circumferential ridges  52 - 1  to  52 - 3  may comprise a respective extension  59 - 1  to  59 - 3  extending radially outward from the ridges  52 - 1  to  52 - 3  in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A 52  of the shaft  52 . The cover  56  may further comprise a notch  56 B that is in communication with the central opening  56 A. When the shaft  52  is inserted into the central opening  56 A of the cover  56 , the extensions  59 - 1  to  59 - 3  may be received in the notch  56 B. Engagement between the extensions  59 - 1  to  59 - 3  and the notch  56 B may align the shaft  52  with respect to the cover  56 . As will be discussed further below, because the shaft  52  is coupled to the connecting portion  64  and is provided with an aperture  52 C that engages with an extension  88  on the bottom shell  44 , aligning the shaft  52  with respect to the cover  56  allows the forward assembly  50  to be aligned with respect to the body  40 . Engagement between the extensions  59 - 1  to  59 - 3  and the notch  56 B may further prevent unwanted rotation of the shaft  52  with respect to the cover  56 . 
     The cover  56  may comprise one or more structures that engage one or more corresponding structures formed in the head assembly  62 . For example, as best seen in  FIG. 11 , the cover  56  may comprise one or more protrusions  116 A to  116 C that are received in one or more corresponding recesses  118 A to  118 C formed in the rear end  64 B of the connecting portion  64 . Engagement between the one or more protrusions  116 A to  116 C and the one or more corresponding recesses  118 A to  118 C may align the cover  56  with respect to the head assembly  62 , specifically with respect to the connecting portion  64 . Engagement between the protrusions  116 A to  116 C and recesses  118 A to  118 C may also help to prevent unwanted rotation of cover  56  with respect to the connecting portion  64 . The forward end  64 A of the connecting portion  64  is coupled to the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 8A . In some examples as shown, a section of the connecting portion  64  may be offset relative to the longitudinal axis A 40  of the body  40 . 
     An outer shape of the cover  56  may comprise any suitable shape. In the examples shown, an outer shape of the cover  56  may be substantially spherical, and the portion of the substantially continuous band of material  90  adjacent to the cover  56  may comprise a curved section  93  that substantially corresponds to the outer shape of the cover  56 , as shown in  FIGS. 5B and 8B . In other examples (not shown), the cover may be integral with the connecting portion  64 . For instance, the cover may comprise a substantially cylindrical section of material that is integral with the rear end  64 B of the connecting portion  64  and extends outward from the rear end  64 B toward the open end  40 A of the body  40 . In further examples (not shown), the cover may be absent, and the forward assembly  50  may be modified such that the connecting portion  64  is adjacent to the open end  40 A of the body  40 . For instance, a dimension of the shaft  52  and/or spring  54  may be decreased, in a direction parallel to the major longitudinal axis A 40  of the body  40 , such that the rear end  64 B of the connecting portion  64  is adjacent to the open end  40 A of the body  40 . 
     To assemble the handle  12 , in one example, the post  112  of the connecting portion  64  may be inserted into the central opening  56 A of the cover  56  such that the protrusions  116 A to  116 C of the cover  56  are inserted into the recesses  118 A to  118 C formed in the connecting portion  64 , which may involve a friction fit between the post  112  and the central opening  56 A and/or the protrusions  116 A to  116 C and the recesses  118 A to  118 C. The forward end  52 A of the shaft  52  may then be inserted into the cover  56  and over the post  112  of the connecting portion  64 , with the extensions  59 - 1  to  59 - 3  engaging the notch  56 B to align the shaft  52  with respect to the cover  56  (and with respect to the connecting portion  64 ). The shaft  52 , the cover  56 , and the connecting portion  64  may then be ultrasonically welded together. The forward end  54 A of the spring  54  may be inserted into the shaft  52  and pressed into the second spring receiving structure  114  formed in the connecting portion  64 . The spring  54  may be inserted before or after the shaft  52 , the cover  56 , and the connecting portion  64  are joined together by ultrasonic welding. The rear ends  52 B,  54 B of the shaft  52  and spring  54 , respectively, may then be inserted into the open end  40 A of the body  40 , with the rear end  54 B of the spring  54  being pressed into the first spring receiving structure  110 . Alternatively, following joining of the shaft  52 , the cover  56 , and the connecting portion  64 , the rear end  52 B of the shaft  52  may be inserted into the open end  40 A of the body  40 , after which the spring  54  may be installed by tilting the shaft  52  slightly, inserting the forward end  54 A of the spring  54  into the second spring receiving structure  114 , and inserting the rear end  54 B of the spring  54  into the first spring receiving structure  110 . Thereafter, the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may be pressed together, which may involve a friction or snap fit between one of more of the structures formed on the interior surfaces  42 A,  44 A, as described above. The top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  may then be joined together along one or more portions of their respective inner edges  92 ,  100  using, for example, ultrasonic welding and/or adhesive. 
     In another example, the cover  56  and the connecting portion  64  may be assembled as described above and, thereafter, an adhesive may be introduced into the central opening  56 A of the cover  56 . The adhesive may comprise, for example, a polyurethane resin, such as a two-component resin that cures at room temperature. The forward end  52 A of the shaft  52  may be inserted into the cover  56  and over the post  112 , as described above, which results in a bond being formed between the shaft  52 , the cover  56 , and the connecting portion  64  via the adhesive. The spring  54  may be inserted before or after the shaft  52 , the cover  56 , and the connecting portion  64  are joined together by the adhesive. Assembly of the handle  12  may then proceed as described above. The handle  12 ′ depicted in  FIG. 9  may be assembled in a similar manner. In all examples, at any point during assembly of the handle  12 , the cartridge-connecting assembly  30  including the button  36  may be installed in the forward end  64 A of the connecting portion  64 . 
     In all embodiments, one or more components of the handle-engaging assembly  60  may extend past at least a portion of a joint formed between the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  in a direction toward the second end  40 B of the body  40 . With reference to  FIGS. 3, 5A, and 9 , the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  comprise one or more joints, or one continuous joint, along their respective inner edges  92 ,  100  at which the top and bottom shells  42 ,  44  are joined, with a forward joint  120  being formed between the top shell  42  and a forwardmost point  44 B of the bottom shell  44 . One or more components of the handle-engaging assembly  60 , e.g., the shaft  52  and/or the spring  54 , may extend past the forward joint  120  in a direction toward the second end  40 B of the body  40 . Although not visible in  FIG. 9 , one or more of the components of the handle engaging-assembly (not labeled) would similarly extend past a forward joint  120 ′ formed between the bottom shell  44 ′ and a forwardmost point (not labeled) of the top shell  42 ′ in a direction toward the second end  40 B′ of the body  40 ′. 
     In addition, in all embodiments, a forward end of the substantially continuous band of material  90  may be closer to a joint between the top and bottom shell  42 ,  44  than to the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 . With reference to  FIGS. 3, 5A, 5B, and 8A , the forward edge  90 B of the substantially continuous band of material  90 , which may define the forward end of the substantially continuous band of material  90 , may be closer to the forward joint  120  than to a rear edge  30 A of the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the forward edge  90 B′ of the substantially continuous band of material  90 ′, which may define the forward end of the substantially continuous band of material  90 ′, may be closer to the forward joint  120 ′ between the top and bottom shells  42 ′,  44 ′ than to a rear edge (not shown) of the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 . In some particular examples, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 9 , the respective substantially continuous bands of material  90 ,  90 ′ may be adjacent to the joint  120 ,  120 ′. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 8A, and 8B , the body  40  and/or shaft  52  may comprise one or more structures to retain the shaft  52  within the body  40 . In some examples, the rear end  52 B of the shaft  52  may comprise the aperture  52 C, and an interior surface  40 C of the body  40  may comprise a structure that engages the aperture  52 C. For instance, the interior surface  44 A of the bottom shell  44  may comprise an extension  88  that engages the aperture  52 C. As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , upon assembly of bottom shell  44  to the top shell  42 , engagement between the aperture  52 C and the extension  88  prevents the shaft  52  from moving forward out of the open end  40 A of the body  40 . The aperture  52 C may extend fully through a thickness of the shaft  52 , as shown, or may extend only partially through the thickness of the shaft  52  (not shown). In other examples (not shown), such as when the bottom shell  44 ′ comprises the substantially continuous band of material  90 ′ (see  FIG. 9 ), an interior surface of the top shell  42 ′ may comprise an extension that engages the aperture  52 C formed in the shaft  52  and prevents the shaft  52  from moving forward out of the body  40 ′. In further examples (not shown), an outer surface  51  of the shaft  52  may comprise an extension, and the interior surface  40 C of the body  40  may comprise a recess that receives and engages the extension so as to secure the shaft  52  within the body  40 . In some instances, the extension may be formed on, i.e., integral with, the shaft  52  or body  40  (e.g., molded during the manufacturing process). In other instances, the extension may be a separate element such as a pin or rod coupled to the shaft  52  and/or the body  40  during manufacture (e.g., via ultrasonic welding or by insertion). Although the aperture  52 C is depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 10  as having a substantially oval shape and the extension  88  is depicted in  FIG. 4  as having a substantially circular or cylindrical shape, it is understood that the aperture  52 C and the extension  88  may comprise any suitable shape, such as a square or rectangular shape. 
     In other embodiments (not shown), the shaft  52  may comprise a raised collar that extends at least partially around a circumference of the shaft  52  and engages the extension formed in the interior surface  40 C of the body  40 , in which engagement between the raised collar and the extension prevents the shaft  52  from moving forward out of the body  40 . In further embodiments (not shown), the shaft  52  may comprise a generally cylindrical cage-like or lattice structure with one or more additional openings. 
     In other embodiments, one or more structures of the body  40  and/or shaft  52  may engage one or more additional components (not shown), such as a washer ring or other structure, to retain the shaft  52  within the body  40  via an indirect engagement between the body  40  and the shaft  52 . For instance, a semicircular or horseshoe-shaped element (not shown) may fit over the shaft  52  and engage a structure (e.g., a groove or raised collar; not shown) defined on the outer surface  51  of the shaft  52  and extending at last partially around the circumference of the shaft  52 . The interior surface  40 C of the body  40  may comprise a structure (e.g., a groove or ledge; not shown) that engages the element to retain the shaft  52  within the body  40  and prevent the shaft  52  from moving forward out of the body  40 . 
     The body  40  and/or shaft  52  may further comprise one or more structures that allow rotation of at least a portion of the forward assembly  50  relative to the body  40 , as indicated by arrow C in  FIG. 2 . In particular, at least a portion of the handle-engaging assembly  60  may rotate, such that the head assembly  62  is able to rotate relative to the body  40 . For example, the shaft  52  and a portion of the spring  54  may rotate relative to the body  40 . The shaft  52  may comprise one or more circumferential features that contact one or more respective bearing surfaces formed on the interior surface  40 C of the body  40  and allow the shaft  52  to rotate relative to the body  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8B , the outer surface  51  of the shaft  52  may comprise one or more additional circumferential ridges  52 - 4 ,  52 - 5 . A first one of the additional circumferential ridges  52 - 4  may be located at or near a middle portion of the shaft  52  and may engage a first circumferential bearing surface, which may be defined by a portion of an interior surface  91  of the substantially continuous band of material  90  (see also  FIG. 5B ). In some examples, the first circumferential bearing surface may be located entirely within the substantially continuous band of material  90 . As shown in  FIGS. 4, 6, and 8B , a second one of the additional circumferential ridges  52 - 5  may be located near a rear edge (not separately labeled) of the shaft  52  and may engage a second circumferential bearing surface, which may be defined by a top bearing surface  122 - 1  that is formed in the top shell  42  and a bottom bearing surface  122 - 2  that is formed in the bottom shell  44 . Alternatively, or in addition to the circumferential ridges  52 - 4 ,  52 - 5 , the one or more circumferential features may comprise a plurality of pads (not separately labeled) that are arranged circumferentially on the outer surface  51  of the shaft  52  at or near a location of the circumferential ridges  52 - 4 ,  52 - 5 . These pads may be separate or discontinuous (i.e., they do not extend around an entirety of the circumference of the shaft  52 ) and may replace or augment the circumferential ridges  52 - 4 ,  52 - 5  to, for example, ensure a close fit between the shaft  52  and the circumferential bearing surfaces of the body  40 . 
     As described above, the interconnect member  24  of the cartridge  14  is releasably received by the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 , the cartridge-connecting assembly  30  is fixedly coupled to the forward end  64 A of the connecting portion  64 , and the shaft  52  is fixedly coupled to the rear end  64 B of the connecting portion  64 , such that the head assembly  62 , i.e., the connecting portion  64  and the cartridge-connecting assembly  30 , as well as the cartridge  14 , are able to rotate with the shaft  52 , relative to the body  40 . When present, the cover  56  may be coupled to the connecting portion  64  and the shaft  52  also as described above, such that the cover  56  rotates with the shaft  52  and the head assembly  62 . The curved section  93  of the substantially continuous band of material  90  may accommodate the outer shape of the cover  56  to allow the cover  56  to rotate freely without contacting the body  40 . 
     As described above, the spring  54  may be coupled at the forward end  54 A to the connecting portion  64  and at the rear end  54 B to the body  40 , and a portion of the spring  54  may rotate or flex upon rotation of the head assembly  62 . In particular, upon rotation of the head assembly  62 , the portion of the spring  54  extending between the first and second spring receiving structures  110 ,  114  may rotate or flex from a neutral or starting position (0 degrees) to a flexed position. The flexed position may be from about +/−18 degrees from the neutral position. Twisting of the spring  54  generates a return torque that biases the spring  54 , along with the head assembly  62  and shaft  52 , back to their respective starting positions. Rotation of the head assembly  62  may occur, for example, as a user is shaving and the head assembly  62  rotates and twists to accommodate the contours of a surface that is being shaved. 
     The body  40  and/or shaft  52  may optionally comprise one or more structures to limit rotational movement of the portion(s) of the forward assembly  50  relative to the body  40 . In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 8A, and 8B , engagement between the extension  88  and the aperture  52 C may limit rotational movement of the shaft  52 , thereby limiting rotational movement of the portion(s) of the forward assembly  50  and providing a hard stop. The aperture  52 C may have axial and circumferential inner dimensions, and engagement between the extension  88  and circumferentially spaced apart edges  52 C- 1 ,  52 C- 2  of the aperture  52 C may define the amount of rotation of the portion(s) of the forward assembly  50  relative to the body  40 , i.e., limits an extent of rotational motion by the shaft  52  relative to the body  40 , thereby limiting rotational movement of the portion(s) of the forward assembly  50  relative to the body  40 . The aperture  52 C and the extension  88  may each comprise any suitable shape, as described above, and/or dimension that allows engagement therebetween. In one particular example, the circumferential dimension of the aperture  52 C may be greater than the axial dimension of the aperture  52 C and the extension  88  has an outer diameter that is closer in size to the aperture axial dimension than to the aperture circumferential dimension. As shown in  FIGS. 6, 7, and 8B , an inner dimension of the aperture  52 C may be larger, in a circumferential direction, than an outer dimension of the extension  88  such that the shaft  52  is able to rotate about its longitudinal axis A 52 , with engagement between the extension  88  and the circumferentially spaced apart edges  52 C- 1 ,  52 C- 2  of the aperture  52 C limiting the amount of rotation of the shaft  52 . Preferably, the shaft  52  may rotate from about +/−18 degrees from a neutral position (0 degrees). In further examples, it is contemplated that the shaft  52  could rotate beyond +/−18 degrees. 
     In other embodiments (not shown) in which the shaft  52  comprise the extension and the interior surface  40 C of the body  40  comprises a recess, an inner dimension of the recess may be configured to similarly limit an extent of rotational motion of the shaft  52  relative to the body  40 . In further examples (not shown), the body  40  and/or shaft  52  may comprise one or more additional structures (other than the structure(s) that retain the shaft  52  within the body  40 ) that limit rotational movement of the portion(s) of the forward assembly  50  relative to the body  40 . For instance, in examples in which the shaft  52  receives the horseshoe-shaped element (not shown) described above, the body  40  may comprise an additional groove or ledge that engages the horseshoe-shaped element to limit rotation of the shaft  52 . 
     In all embodiments, during assembly, the shaft  52  comprising the one or more structures may pass through the open end  40 A of the body  40  formed by the substantially continuous band of material  90 . When the shaft  52  comprises the aperture  52 C and the interior surface  40 C of the body  40 , i.e., the bottom shell  44 , comprises the extension  88  as shown in  FIGS. 6, 7, and 8B , the outer diameter of the rear end  52 B of the shaft  52  may be configured to be only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the opening  90 A defined by the substantially continuous band of material  90 . Because the extension is not on the shaft  52 , the inner diameter of the opening  90 A does not need to be made larger to accommodate the extension. In other words, the opening  90 A may be only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rear end  52 B of the shaft  52 , which allows for a more stable connection of the forward assembly  50  to the body  40 , thereby reducing or substantially preventing wobble or side-to-side movement of the forward assembly  50  relative to the body  40 . When the shaft  52  comprises the extension (not shown), the inner diameter of the opening  90 A defined by the substantially continuous band of material  90  and the outer diameter of the rear end  52 B of the shaft  52  may be substantially as described above, except that the opening  90 A may comprise a small notch (not shown; extends partially through the substantially continuous band of material  90 ) sized to allow the shaft  52  with the extension to pass through the opening  90 A during assembly of the handle  12 . Although not visible, the substantially continuous band of material  90 ′ of the handle  12 ′ depicted in  FIG. 9  may similarly comprise an opening with an inner diameter that is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rear end  52 B of the shaft  52 . 
     By forming the open end of the body from the substantially continuous band of material as described herein, a bending strength of the razor handle formed from the body may be increased. Razor handles are subjected to a variety of forces in everyday use, including bending and impact forces. For example, during shaving and cartridge replacement, the user typically holds one end of the handle rigid and places the other end under a load, e.g., by pressing the cartridge against a surface to be shaved, pushing the button to eject an old cartridge, and/or pressing a new cartridge onto the handle. In addition, the razor handle may be subjected to impact and bending forces when it is, for example, dropped, packed tightly in a travel bag and pressed against other objects, etc. Many razor handles are formed from plastic and comprise a two-piece construction in which the top and bottom halves are joined, at least in part, using ultrasonic welding. A forward portion of a joint between the top and bottom halves is often positioned near a location of stress concentration, such as a point of rotation or a geometric discontinuity in the razor handle (e.g., a portion that is offset relative to the major longitudinal axis of the razor handle). When the razor handle is subjected to bending forces, this forward portion of the joint may break, as the individual welds may be relatively weak, and the two halves may begin separating along the remainder of the joint. Separation of the two halves compromises the bending strength of the razor handle, and in some cases, one or both of the halves may also begin to crack in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the razor handle. The razor handle may continue to function as intended for a time without the user noticing an appreciable change in operation, but the amount of separation between the two halves and/or the decrease in bending strength may eventually become significant enough that the razor handle loses its ability to function and/or the user becomes dissatisfied with the feel of the razor handle. In addition, in razor handles with rotating components, even a small amount of separation between the two halves may allow one or more of the rotating components to dislodge, which may result in a loss of the rotating function and/or detachment of the rotating components from the razor handle. 
     It is believed that razor handles in accordance with the present disclosure will provide improved bending strength and may help to avoid separation of the top and bottom shells. When the second end of the razor handle is held rigid and the razor handle is subjected to a bending force (e.g., by exerting an upward force on the forward assembly), an area of highest stress concentration occurs near the substantially continuous band of material. This area is formed from a continuous or substantially continuous piece of material, such that the bending strength of the razor handle may be limited primarily by the properties of the material comprising the substantially continuous band of material, as opposed to being limited by the strength of the joint between the top and bottom shells. The forward joint between the top and bottom shells is spaced away from this area of stress concentration, which reduces the likelihood that the top and bottoms shells will separate. 
     In embodiments in which the top and bottom shells are joined along their inner edges, wherein the inner edges are defined by curved connecting portions and an intermediate portion extending between corresponding pairs of the connecting portions, a force exerted on the forward portion of the joint between the top and bottom shells will generally be distributed more evenly and over a larger area. This structure in which connecting portions with a curved or arched shape are joined by an intermediate portion demonstrates much greater mechanical strength when subjected to a bending force, as compared to a joint between inner edges having substantially linearly shaped portions that extend substantially the entire extent of the top and bottom shells from a rear portion to a forward open portion. The arched shape causes the force to be distributed along the curve of the arch, rather than concentrating in one small area. In addition, razor handles in accordance with the present disclosure may use a two-piece construction that may take advantage of the benefits of molding, while still maintaining the structural integrity of the razor handle. In particular, a thickness of the material forming the top and bottom shells may be minimized to retain a particular aesthetic look and feel for the razor handle. Forming the razor handle via molding also allows the formation of one or more hollow cavities to accommodate, for example, the metal rod and of one or more structures on the inner surface(s) of the top and/or bottom shells that securely retain the rotating components within the razor handle. 
     Formation of the open end of the razor handle by the substantially continuous band of material further allows tight control of the inner diameter of the opening. In razor handles in which the open end is formed by two halves, the inner diameter of the opening may vary widely depending on manufacturing tolerances, which may allow unwanted motion of any components that are received in the open end. The open end of razor handles in accordance with the present disclosure is contained entirely within one of the top shell or the bottom shell and may thus be more precisely formed during manufacture. This more exact control of dimensional variations may help to reduce the amount of wobble and other unwanted motion of the forward assembly and may provide a more robust handle. In addition, because of this more precise control, the interior surface of the substantially continuous band of material may define one of the circumferential bearing surfaces for the shaft. 
     Representative embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be described as follows: 
     A. A shaving razor handle comprising: a body defined by a top shell joined to a bottom shell, the body comprising an open end, wherein one of the top shell or the bottom shell comprises a substantially continuous band of material that forms the open end of the body. 
     B. The shaving razor handle of paragraph A, further comprising a handle-engaging assembly received in the open end of the body. 
     C. The shaving razor handle of paragraph B, further comprising a cartridge-connecting assembly coupled to the handle-engaging assembly via a connecting portion, wherein a forward end of the cartridge-connecting assembly releasably receives a replaceable cartridge. 
     D. The shaving razor handle of paragraph C, wherein the cartridge-connecting assembly and the connecting portion are coupled together to form a head assembly, the head assembly rotating relative to the body. 
     E. The shaving razor handle of paragraph C or D, wherein a section of the connecting portion is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. 
     F. The shaving razor handle of any of paragraphs C to E, wherein a forward end of the substantially continuous band of material is closer to a joint between the top shell and the bottom shell than to the cartridge-connecting assembly. 
     G. The shaving razor handle of paragraph B, wherein one or more components of the handle-engaging assembly extend past a joint between the top shell and the bottom shell in a direction toward a second end of the body. 
     H. The shaving razor handle of any of paragraphs A to G, wherein the substantially continuous band of material is adjacent to a joint between the top shell and the bottom shell. 
     I. The shaving razor handle of any of paragraphs A-H, wherein the top shell comprises the substantially continuous band of material. 
     J. The shaving razor handle of paragraph I, wherein an inner edge of the top shell comprises:
         a substantially linear portion extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body; and   a curved portion extending between the substantially linear portion and the substantially continuous band of material.       

     K. The shaving razor handle of any of paragraphs A-H, wherein the bottom shell comprises the substantially continuous band of material. 
     L. The shaving razor handle of paragraph K, wherein an inner edge of the bottom shell comprises:
         a substantially linear portion extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body; and   a curved portion extending between the substantially linear portion and the substantially continuous band of material.       

     M. A shaving razor handle comprising:
         a body defined by a top shell joined to a bottom shell, the body comprising an open end, wherein one of the top shell or the bottom shell comprises a substantially continuous band of material that forms the open end of the body; and   a forward assembly coupled to the body, wherein at least a portion of the forward assembly rotates relative to the body.       

     N. The shaving razor handle of paragraph M, wherein the forward assembly comprises:
         a handle-engaging assembly coupled to and received in the open end of the body; and   a head assembly coupled to the handle-engaging assembly, the head assembly rotating relative to the body.       

     O. The shaving razor handle of paragraph N, wherein one or more components of the handle-engaging assembly extend past a joint between the top shell and the bottom shell in a direction toward a second end of the body. 
     P. The shaving razor handle of paragraph N or O, wherein the head assembly comprises a connecting portion and a cartridge-connecting assembly, the connecting portion being coupled at a forward end to the cartridge-connecting assembly and at a rear end to the handle-engaging assembly. 
     Q. The shaving razor handle of paragraph P, wherein a forward end of the substantially continuous band of material is closer to a joint between the top shell and the bottom shell than to the cartridge-connecting assembly. 
     R. The shaving razor handle of paragraph P or Q, wherein a section of the connecting portion is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. 
     S. The shaving razor handle of any of paragraphs M to R, wherein an inner edge of the one of the top shell or the bottom shell comprises:
         a substantially linear portion extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body; and   a curved portion extending between the substantially linear portion and the substantially continuous band of material.       

     T. A shaving razor handle comprising:
         a top shell and a bottom shell joined to the top shell to define a body,   wherein one of the top shell or the bottom shell comprises a substantially continuous band of material that forms an open end of the body, and   wherein an inner edge of the one of the top shell or the bottom shell comprises:
           a substantially linear portion extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body; and   a curved portion extending between the substantially linear portion and the substantially continuous band of material.   
               

     U. The shaving razor handle of paragraph T, wherein the body is generally straight. 
     V. The shaving razor handle of paragraph T or U, further comprising: a forward assembly coupled to the body, wherein at least a portion of the forward assembly rotates relative to the body. 
     W. The shaving razor handle of any of paragraphs T to V, wherein the substantially linear portion of the inner edge comprises a first substantially linear portion of the inner edge and the curved portion of the inner edge comprises a first curved portion of the inner edge, further comprising:
         a second substantially linear portion extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body;   a second curved portion extending between the substantially linear portion and the substantially continuous band of material; and   an intermediate portion extending between and connecting the first curved portion with the second curved portion, the intermediate portion comprising at least a portion of the substantially continuous band of material.       

     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” 
     Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, 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. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.