Patent Publication Number: US-2022234228-A1

Title: Razor cartridge

Description:
This application is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/EP2020/071492, filed on 30 Jul. 2020, now published as WO2021019008 and which claims benefit from European patent application EP19189470.8, filed on 31 Jul. 2019, the entire contents being incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The embodiments described in the following disclosure relate to a razor cartridge, a method for manufacturing a razor cartridge, a shaving razor assembly and an associated kit of parts. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Razor cartridges (also known as safety razor cartridges) are permanently or removably attached to a razor handle that, in use, is oriented in 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 guard (at a leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge in the shaving direction) and a cap (at a trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge in the shaving direction). In 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 cutting edge plane. 
     Typically, the cutting edge plane is defined as the plane intersecting the first and second skin contact areas of, for example, cutting edges of the shaving head. Movement of the razor handle by the user during shaving operation causes the blades of the razor cartridge to be moved across the cutting edge plane in the shaving direction, enabling the blades to remove unwanted hair. 
     The performance of razor cartridges may be further improved. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first aspect, there is provided a razor cartridge comprising a housing extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis, wherein the housing comprises a leading longitudinal side, a trailing longitudinal side, and a cutting member mounting portion in-between the leading and trailing longitudinal sides for accommodating a plurality of cutting members; and a plurality of cutting members disposed at least partially in the cutting member mounting portion. Each cutting member is arranged between the leading longitudinal side and the trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge. 
     One or more of the cutting members comprises a blade support having a blade mounting portion, and a blade attached to the blade mounting portion. 
     The cutting members comprised in the plurality of cutting members are configured such that, in use, a total number of skin contact areas of the cutting members with a user along a transverse cutting member contact axis is at least one greater than a total number of cutting members comprised within the plurality of cutting members. In aspects, a total number of skin contact areas of the cutting members with a user along a transverse cutting member contact axis is at least one fewer than two times the total number of cutting members of the plurality of cutting members. 
     According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a razor cartridge comprising: 
     obtaining a housing extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis, wherein the housing comprises a leading longitudinal side, a trailing longitudinal side, and a cutting member mounting portion in-between the leading and trailing longitudinal sides for accommodating a plurality of cutting members, and 
     disposing a plurality of cutting members at least partially in the cutting member mounting portion to thus provide a plurality of cutting members. Each cutting member is arranged between a leading longitudinal side and a trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge. One or more cutting members comprises a blade support having a blade mounting portion and a blade attached to the blade mounting portion. 
     The cutting members are configured such that, in use, a total number of skin contact areas of the cutting members with a user along a transverse cutting member contact axis is at least one greater than a total number of cutting members comprised within the plurality of cutting members. In aspects, the total number of skin contact areas of the cutting members with a user along a transverse cutting member contact axis is at least one fewer than two times the total number of cutting members. 
     According to a third aspect, there is provided a shaving razor assembly. The shaving razor assembly comprises a razor and a razor cartridge according to the first aspect or one of its embodiments. The razor cartridge is either releasably attached to the razor handle via a pivotable or non-pivotable connection, integrally formed with the razor handle via a non-pivotable connection, or integrally formed with the razor handle via a pivotable 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 or one of its embodiments. 
     An effect of a razor cartridge according to the first aspect is that the phenomenon of skin bulge between cutting members attached to a blade mounting portion is reduced, because there are more points of contact for the same number of blades (compared to a prior-art cartridge with the same number of blades). 
     At least one cutting member is configured so that it has two contact areas with the cutting edge plane, namely the cutting edge of a blade mounted on a support member, and a distal portion of the support member on which the blade is mounted on. A conventional cutting member has one skin contact area per cutting member (the cutting edge of a blade provided on the conventional cutting member). 
     The extra skin contact area provided by a blade support when the first blade is mounted closer to the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge equalises the distribution of the drag forces exerted by the skin against the razor cartridge, and thus mitigates irritation, nicks, and cuts during shaving. 
     Further, the bulging of skin between the cutting edges of the blades is reduced because an additional skin contact area provided by the blade support of at least one cutting member of the razor cartridge according to the first aspect reduces the inter-blade space between consecutive cutting members (in other words, the span between blade edges of the cutting members). The provision of additional skin contact points provides for intermediate contact points in-between the inter-blade spans of the plurality of cutting members (i.e. the cutting edges of consecutive blades). 
     A further effect is that a second type of cutting member can be mounted closer towards the trailing edge of the razor cartridge on top of its support member. Therefore, the second type of cutting member having one skin contact area with the cutting edge plane. The contact point of the second type of cutting member with the cutting edge plane is the blade edge of the blade mounted on the second type of cutting member. Therefore, the second type of cutting member can provide a more aggressive cutting action than the first type of cutting member, to ensure that hair remainders that were not removed by at least the first blade mounted closer to the leading longitudinal side are cut off subsequently by the second cutting member. This results in a closer shave, thus leading to a more effective cutting action whilst reducing the amount of irritation, nicks, and cuts experienced during shaving. 
     Another effect is that durability of the blades closer to the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge is enhanced, because due to the provision of the additional skin contact points cutting members having two skin contact areas exert less pressure on the skin thus resulting in a less aggressive shave and a lower rate of blade wear. The cutting members having two skin contact areas may therefore be placed closer to the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge. Then, the blades of the cutting members having two skin contact areas have a lifetime comparable to the blades closer to the trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge. In prior art razor cartridges the blades closer to the leading longitudinal side become blunted more easily. A user must dispose of a razor cartridge even when one blade of a plurality of blades becomes blunted. Previously, a user would need to dispose of a razor cartridge having blunt blades closer to the leading longitudinal side even if the blades closer to the trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge were acceptably sharp. According to the present aspects, the wear rate on the blades closer to the trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge and the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge is more equal. 
     The present razor cartridge may in particular be more suited to infrequent razor users who wait several days between shaving. Such behaviour leads to a requirement for a greater degree of hair removal compared to the case of a user who shaves daily. A razor cartridge according to the present disclosure is better adapted to e.g. users who shave less frequently, because the wear rate of blades at the leading longitudinal edge of the razor cartridge can be equalised with the wear rate of blades at the trailing longitudinal edge of the razor cartridge to accommodate the denser and/or longer hair clippings characteristic of users who shave less frequently. 
     A cutting edge plane is defined as the plane intersecting the first and second skin contact areas of, for example, cutting edges of the shaving head (in a two-dimensional cut-through, the cutting edge plane would be a tangential line intersecting the cutting edges of the blades). 
     A shaving plane is typically defined by the most prominent members of the housing of a razor cartridge. For example, the shaving plane is defined as the plane between a guard member and a cap member that contact a user, in use. The shaving plane represents the theoretical position of the surface being shaved. Based on that, an exposure (of the cutting edge plane with respect to the shaving plane) can be designated as negative, neutral or positive. 
     As will be described in this specification, the razor cartridge comprises at least two different types of cutting member. One type of cutting member comprises blades mounted below their blade supports support, as defined and illustrated subsequently (i.e. blades mounted on a support mounting surface that in use faces away from the shaving plane). A local exposure is designated as the vertical distance between a cutting edge and a support plane, wherein the support plane is defined by a tangential line intersecting the tips of the blade supports. 
     Further embodiments are presented in the dependent claims, and the detailed description, to which the reader should now refer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other characteristics will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the present disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the art to practice it. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals on different figures indicate like or similar features. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shaving razor assembly according to the third aspect. 
         FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    schematically illustrate side views of a portion of a prior art razor cartridge in use. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of a portion of a prior art razor cartridge in use. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic side view of four cutting members of a razor cartridge according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates different examples of blade mounting arrangements. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates schematic side views of four cutting members of a razor cartridge according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective partial exploded view of a razor cartridge according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8 a    is a schematic cutaway side view of the razor cartridge according to an embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6  along axis transverse cutting member contact access P-Q. 
         FIG. 8 b    is a duplicate of the schematic cutaway side view of the razor cartridge shown in  FIG. 7 a    that has been differently annotated to illustrate the inter-blade spacing. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic cutaway side view of an alternative embodiment of a razor cartridge comprising at least one integrally formed cutting member. 
         FIG. 10 a    is a schematic side view of a cutting member comprising a blade mounting portion disposed on an inner surface of the respective blade support that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane. 
         FIG. 10 b    is a schematic side view of an integrally formed cutting member. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a further side view of a blade arrangement illustrating the benefit of enabling at least one of the blade support members to contact the skin. 
         FIG. 12  schematically illustrates a method according to the second aspect. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shaving razor assembly  1  according to a third aspect. The shaving razor assembly comprises blades which are not driven by a motor. The shaving 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 at the distal portion  6  of the handle  2 . The razor cartridge  20  will be presented in more detail following discussion of the shaving razor assembly  1 . 
     The mounting of the razor cartridge  20  to the distal portion  6  of the handle  2  in the illustration is via a pivotable bearing member  8  enabling a frame of reference of the handle  2  to vary relative to a frame of reference of the razor cartridge  20 , to thus enable the angle of the razor cartridge against the skin of a user to vary and adapt to changes during use. 
     In particular, the razor cartridge  20  pivots relative to the handle  2  about the longitudinal axis L of the razor cartridge  20 , in use. The pivoting enables the user to adapt to contours of the body, for example. 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 may pivot relative to a second pivot axis (a rocking axis), substantially perpendicular to axis L. 
     In examples, the pivotable bearing member  8  may be omitted (not illustrated) and the handle  2  provided as an integrally connected part of the support of the razor cartridge  20 . 
     In an example, the pivotable bearing member  8  may further comprise, or be replaced by, a release mechanism  5   a ,  5   b , enabling rapid release of an exhausted razor cartridge from the handle  2 . In an example, the handle  2  and the support of the razor cartridge  20  are integrally formed with a pivotable bearing member (not illustrated) such as a plastic spring member. 
     In an example, the handle  2  is provided with a handle grip  9  formed of a rubber, or rubber-like material to improve gripping friction. In an example, the handle is provided with a thumb-rest  7  to enable a more secure grip of the handle  2  by a user. 
       FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    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 inter-blade span 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 support. 
     The phrase “top of the blade support” for the purposes of this specification means a side of a blade support of a razor cartridge that is closest to a shaving plane SH (skin) of a user when the razor cartridge is in use, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   . When a razor cartridge with such top-mounted cutting members is used, aggressive shaving may result in an increased degree of nicks and cuts and an increased sense of irritation, because the cutting edge plane CEP (skin) is exclusively supported by the cutting edges  30  of the blades on the blade support. This provides the skin with a relatively small surface to be supported on during shaving, and causes an increased degree of “bulging”  12  of the cutting edge plane CEP (skin) between the inter-blade gaps. 
     The wear-rate of cutting members near to the leading longitudinal side (front) of a prior art razor cartridge may be greater than the wear rate of top-mounted cutting members near to the trailing longitudinal side (rear) of the prior art razor cartridge. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of a portion of a prior art razor cartridge in use. To reduce the effect of skin bulging  12 , the inter-blade span IBS can be reduced, as illustrated in  FIG. 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 inter-blade span. A greater blade density (number of blades in the same-sized cartridge) is also required when the IBS between all blades is reduced. 
     Therefore, conventional razor cartridges can be further improved. 
     According to a first aspect, there is provided a razor cartridge  20  comprising a housing  21  extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (x), wherein the housing comprises a leading longitudinal side  24 , a trailing longitudinal side  25 , and a cutting member mounting portion  19  in-between the leading  24  and trailing  25  longitudinal sides for accommodating a plurality of cutting members  29 . 
     A plurality of cutting members  29  is disposed at least partially in the cutting member mounting portion  19 . Each cutting member  28  is arranged between the leading longitudinal side  24  and the trailing longitudinal side  25  of the razor cartridge  20  in a shaving direction S of the razor cartridge  20 . One or more of the cutting members  28  comprises a blade support  32  having a blade mounting portion  70 , and a blade  33  attached to the blade mounting portion  70 . 
     The cutting members  28  comprised in the plurality of cutting members  29  are configured such that, in use, a total number of skin contact areas of the cutting members  28  with a user along a transverse cutting member contact axis P-Q is at least one greater than a total number of cutting members  28  comprised within the plurality of cutting members  29 . In examples, a total number of skin contact areas of the cutting members  28  with a user along a transverse cutting member contact axis P-Q may be at least one fewer than two times the total number of cutting members  28  of the plurality of cutting members  29 . 
     In this application, the term “skin contact area” means a part of the arrangement of cutting members  28  that comes into contact with the skin of a user of the razor cartridge in normal use. Of course, many parts of the housing, guard, and cap element will also contact the skin of a user during normal use of the razor cartridge, but the term “skin contact area” means the section of a cutting edge  33   a - f  of one of the blades of the razor cartridge  20 , or the section of the edge of the blade support  30   ax  that contact the skin of a user in normal use. Therefore, when a plurality of cutting members  28   a - 28   f  is provided, there will be a plurality of skin contact areas in normal use. A subset  28   a ,  28   b  of the cutting members provided may contact the skin at both a cutting edge  33   a ,  33   b  and a front edge of the blade support. Therefore it is not essential that every skin contact area functions to cut a hair of the user. The skin contact areas provided by the front edge of the blade supports  30   ax ,  30   bx  function to provide support to the skin surface such that the overall pressure on the skin at the cutting edges  33   a ,  33   b  is reduced. Viewed alternatively, the skin contact areas provided by the front edge of the blade supports  30   ax ,  30   bx  functions to reduce an inter-blade span, to thus reduce the size of skin bulges. 
     In an example, the skin contact portions  30   ax ,  30   bx  of the blade supports  32   a ,  32   b  are rounded or chamfered to improve glideness properties of the cutting members  28   a ,  28   b.    
       FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic side view of four cutting members  28   a - 28   d  of a plurality of cutting members  29  to illustrate the general concept discussed in this specification according to an embodiment with four cutting members  28   a - d . The surrounding structure of a razor cartridge  20  is not illustrated as an aid to clarity. 
     The plurality of cutting members  29  are, in use, drawn across the skin of the user (approximated by the cutting edge plane CEP) in the shaving direction S. The cutting members  28   a - 28   d  of the plurality of cutting members  29  may not be homogeneous. In other words, the at least one cutting member  28   c  in the plurality of cutting members may have a different design compared to the other cutting members  28   a ,  28   b.    
     In general terms, the first two cutting members  28   a  and  28   b  comprise blades  33   a  and  33   b  mounted below their respective blade supports  32   a  and  32   b , with respect to the shaving plane SH and cutting edge plane CEP. The second two cutting members  28   c  and  28   d  may comprise blades  33   c  and  33   d  mounted above their respective blade supports  32   c  and  32   d , with respect to the shaving plane SH and cutting edge plane CEP. 
     The designation that a blade  33   c  and  33   d  is “mounted above” a blade support means that a second blade mounting portion is disposed on an outer surface of the first blade support  32   a  that, in use, faces towards a shaving plane SH and cutting edge plane CEP, and the first blade  33   a  is attached to the second blade mounting portion. 
     In other words, a blade  33   c  that is “mounted above” its blade support  32   c  defines an imaginary plane that (i) intersects with the cutting edge plane CEP at the cutting edge  30   c , and the same imaginary plane (ii) does not pass through (interfere with) any portion of the support member  28   c  to which the same blade  33   c  is attached. 
     The designation that a blade  33   a,b  is “mounted below” a blade support means that a first blade mounting portion is disposed on an inner surface of the first blade support  32   a  that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH (the cutting member is disposed such that in use faces away a shaving surface, for example the skin), and a cutting edge plane CEP, and the first blade  33   a  is attached to the first blade mounting portion. This may alternatively be referred to as a hanging blade. 
     In other words, a blade  33   a  that is “mounted below” its blade support  32   a  defines an imaginary plane that (i) intersects with the cutting edge plane CEP at the cutting edge  30   a , and the same imaginary plane (ii) must pass through (interfere with) a portion of the support member  28   a  to which the same blade  33   a  is attached. In the illustration of  FIG. 4 , an example of an imaginary plane interfering with a portion of the support member  28   a  is illustrated by the dotted extended line IP. The line crosses through the support member  28   a . A similar extension of a plane defined by blade  33   c  would not cross through the support member  28   c  of blade  33   c.    
     In  FIG. 4 , cutting members  28   a  and  28   b  comprise blades  33   a  and  33   b  that are mounted below their blade supports  32   a  and  32   b , respectively. In other words, the blade supports  32   a ,  32   b  face away from the shaving plane SH and the cutting edge plane CEP. 
     In  FIG. 4 , cutting members  28   c  and  28   d  comprise blades  33   c  and  33   d  that are mounted below their blade supports  32   c  and  32   d , respectively. In other words, the blade supports  32   c ,  32   d  face towards from the shaving plane SH and the cutting edge plane CEP. 
     Therefore, in an embodiment, the skin contact area of one or more of the cutting members comprises a region of a blade support of the cutting member, and/or a cutting edge of a blade attached to the cutting member. 
     In an embodiment, the plurality of cutting members  29  comprises a first subset of a first type of cutting member  28   a  that, in use, has two skin contact areas  30   a  (cutting edge) and  30   ax  (front edge of the blade support) with a user along the transverse cutting member contact axis. 
     In an embodiment, the plurality of cutting members  29  comprises a second subset of a second type of cutting member  28   c  that, in use, has one skin contact area  30   c  (cutting edge) with a user along the transverse cutting member contact axis P-Q. 
     In an embodiment, the first subset of the plurality of cutting members  29  is disposed closer to the leading longitudinal side  24  of the cutting member mounting portion than the second subset, and wherein the second subset of the plurality of cutting members is disposed closer to the trailing longitudinal side  25  of the cutting member mounting portion compared to the first subset. 
     In an embodiment, the (integer) number of skin contact areas with a user along the transverse cutting member contact axis P-Q provided by the first type of cutting members  28   a  in the first subset of the plurality of cutting members  29  is twice the (integer) number of skin contact areas with a user (cutting edge plane CEP) along the transverse cutting member contact axis P-Q provided by the second type of cutting member  28   c.    
     In an embodiment, the first type of cutting member  28   a  comprises a first blade support  32  having a first blade mounting portion disposed on an inner surface of the first blade support that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH and a cutting edge plane CEP and a first blade attached to the first blade mounting portion/surface. 
     In an embodiment, the second type of cutting member  28   c  comprises a second blade support having a second blade mounting portion disposed on an outer surface of the second blade support that, in use, faces towards a shaving plane SH and a cutting edge plane CEP, and a second blade  33   c  attached to the second blade mounting portion. 
     In embodiments, the blade supports of each cutting member  28   a ,  28   b  belonging to the first subset of the plurality of cutting members  29  further comprise a base portion  80  for attaching the blade supports to the razor cartridge  20 , the blade mounting portion, a curvilinear portion intermediate to the base portion and the blade mounting portion, and the blade mounting portion is disposed on an inner surface that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH and a cutting edge plane CEP. 
     A first skin contact area  30   ax  of the cutting member belonging to the first subset of the plurality of cutting members is at least a portion of the blade support that is defined on an outer surface of the blade mounting portion that, in use, faces towards the shaving plane SH and a cutting edge plane CEP. 
     In use, cutting member  28   a  has two areas of contact with the cutting edge plane CEP. The first area of contact with the cutting edge plane CEP is the cutting edge  30   a . The second area of contact with the cutting edge plane CEP is the front edge  30   ax  of the cutting member  28   a . Cutting member  28   b  similarly comprises two areas of contact with the cutting edge plane CEP, the cutting edge  30   b  and the front edge  30   bx  of the cutting member  28   b.    
     In use, cutting member  28   c  has one area of contact with the cutting edge plane CEP—the cutting edge  30   c . The cutting member  28   d  has one area of contact with the cutting edge plane CEP in use—the cutting edge  30   d.    
     In examples, the blade supports  32   a  and  32   b  may be the same type (for example, dimensions and material thickness) as the blade supports  32   c  and  32   d , to reduce the bill of material cost. In this case, the blade supports  32   a  and  32   b  (comprising two cutting edge plane CEP contact areas) are, for example, mounted at a height deviation h above the mounting height of the blade supports  32   c  and  32   d  (comprising one cutting edge plane CEP contact area), in order to ensure that the cutting edges  30   a  and  30   b  are coplanar with the cutting edges  30   c  and  30   d.    
     In examples, the blade supports  32   a  and  32   b  may be of a different type, for example longer than the blade supports  32   c  and  32   d  so that the cutting edges  30   a - 30   d  are coplanar without requiring blade supports  32   a  and  32   b  to be mounted with a height deviation h. 
     A leading inter-blade span  40  is the span that is perpendicular to, and spans, the cutting edge plane CEP between cutting-edges  30   a  and  30   b . A first intermediate inter blade span  41  is the span that is perpendicular to the second and third cutting edges in the cutting edge plane CEP between cutting-edge  30   b  and  30   c . A trailing inter-blade span  42  is, in the example of  FIG. 4 , the span the span that is perpendicular to, and spans, the second and third cutting edges in the cutting edge plane CEP,  30   c  and  30   d.    
     In examples, the leading inter-blade span  40 , the first intermediate inter-blade span  41 , and the trailing inter-blade span  42  are substantially equal. In examples, the leading inter-blade span  40  is greater than the first intermediate inter-blade span  41 . In examples, the leading inter-blade span  40  is greater than the first intermediate inter-blade span  41 , and the first intermediate inter-blade span  41  is greater than the trailing inter-blade span  42 . In examples, the leading inter-blade span  40  is less than the first intermediate inter-blade span  41 . In examples, the leading inter-blade span  40  is less than the first intermediate inter-blade span  41 , and the first intermediate inter-blade span  41  is less than the trailing inter-blade span  42 . 
     According to embodiments, the first cutting member  28   a  and the second cutting member  28   b  (the cutting members  28  comprising blades  33  held underneath the blade supports  32 ) are comprised in a first subset of the plurality (group) of cutting members  29 . 
     According to embodiments, the third cutting member  28   c  and the fourth cutting member  28   d  (the cutting members  28  comprising blades  33  held above the blade supports  32 ) are comprised in a second subset of the plurality of cutting members  29 . 
     In other words, each of the blade supports  32  of cutting members  28  in the first subset of the plurality of cutting members comprises a cutting edge plane CEP contact portion  30   ax ,  30   bx  that is configured, in use, to contact the cutting edge plane CEP in addition to the cutting edge  33  or edges of the blade or blades, thereby reducing the pressure at cutting edge contact areas with the cutting edge plane CEP. 
       FIG. 5  schematically illustrates different embodiments for mounting the cutting members comprised in the plurality of cutting members  29 . 
       FIG. 5 a    schematically illustrates a plurality (group) of three cutting members  29  comprising a leading cutting member  28   a  having a blade  33   a  facing away from the shaving plane SH and the cutting edge plane CEP, and two trailing cutting members  28   b ,  28   c  having blades  33   b ,  33   c  facing towards the cutting edge plane CEP and the shaving plane SH. 
       FIG. 5 b    schematically illustrates a plurality (group) of three cutting members  29  comprising a leading cutting member  28   a  and intermediate cutting member  28   b  having blades  33   a  and  33   b  facing away from the shaving plane SH, and the cutting edge plane CEP and a trailing cutting members  28   c  having blade  33   c  facing towards the shaving plane SH and the cutting edge plane CEP. 
       FIG. 5 c    schematically illustrates a plurality (group) of four cutting members  29  comprising a leading cutting member  28   a  having a blade  33   a  facing away from the shaving plane SH and the cutting edge plane CEP, and three trailing cutting members  28   b ,  28   c ,  28   d  having blades  33   b ,  33   c ,  33   d  facing towards the shaving plane SH and the cutting edge plane CEP. 
       FIG. 5 d    schematically illustrates a plurality (group) of four cutting members  29  comprising a leading cutting member  28   a  and a first trailing cutting member  28   b  having blades  33   a  and  33   b  facing away from the shaving plane SH and the cutting edge plane CEP, and two trailing cutting members  28   c ,  28   d  having blades  33   c ,  33   d  facing towards the cutting edge plane CEP and the shaving plane SH. 
       FIG. 5 e    schematically illustrates a plurality (group) of four cutting members  29  comprising a leading cutting member  28   a  and two trailing cutting members  28   b ,  28   c  having blades  33   b ,  33   c  facing away from the shaving plane SH and the cutting edge plane CEP, and one trailing cutting member  28   d  having blades  33   d  facing towards the shaving plane SH and the cutting edge plane CEP. 
     Of course, further exemplary permutations are possible, such as those comprising five or six blades, or more. 
     According to embodiments, the first subset of the plurality of cutting members comprises two consecutive cutting members that, in use, face away from the shaving plane. 
     According to embodiments, the first subset of the plurality of cutting members comprises three consecutive cutting members that, in use, face away from the shaving plane. 
     According to embodiments the second subset of the plurality of cutting members comprises two consecutive cutting members that, in use, face towards the shaving plane. 
     According to embodiments the second subset of the plurality of cutting members comprises three consecutive cutting members that, in use, face towards the shaving plane. 
     According to some embodiments the previously discussed concept the concept of a plurality of cutting members with a combination of blades mounted above and below their respective supports is provided. However this is not essential, and the provision of a plurality of cutting members configured such that in use a total number of skin contact areas is at least one greater than a total number of cutting members comprised in a plurality of cutting members can be provided in other ways. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic side view of a plurality of cutting members comprising four cutting members of a razor cartridge  20  according to another embodiment. 
     Cutting members  28   a  and  28   b  are provided as cutting members with the blade underneath the blade support as described in relation to the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . The embodiment of  FIG. 6  comprises two integrally formed cutting members  28   e  and  28   f.    
     The integrally formed cutting members  28   e  and  28   f  are provided, for example, as unitary metal or metal alloy members. The integrally formed cutting members  28   e  and  28   f  comprise, at their distal ends, cutting edges  30   e  and  30   f  respectively, and at their proximal ends a blade mounting area. The integrally formed cutting members  28   e  and  28   f  illustrated in  FIG. 6  comprise a radiused or curvilinear portion  82  that gradually aligns blade support portions  32   e  and  32   f  of the integrally formed cutting members  28   e  and  28   f  so that the cutting edges  30   e  and  30   f  of the integrally formed cutting members  28   e  and  28   f  have a controlled shaving angle to the cutting edge plane CEP. In an example, the integrally formed cutting members  28   e  and  28   f  are rigid. 
     In examples, shaving angle is the same as for cutting edges  30   a  and  30   b , for example. In examples, the shaving angle of the cutting edges  30   e  and  30   f  of the integrally formed cutting members  28   e  and  28   f  may be different to the shaving angle of cutting edges  30   a  and  30   b , for example. 
     Similarly, the exposure of the cutting edges  30   e  and  30   f  of the integrally formed cutting members  28   e  and  28   f  relative to the shaving plane SH may be the same as the exposure of the cutting edges  30   a  and  30   b  (as illustrated in  FIG. 6 ). Alternatively, the exposure of the cutting edges  30   e  and  30   f  greater than the exposure of the cutting edges  30   a  and  30   b , or less than the exposure of the cutting edges cutting edges  30   a  and  30   b.    
     Therefore,  FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment having four cutting members  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   e ,  28   f  that provide six contact points  30   a ,  30   ax ,  30   b ,  30   bx ,  30   e , and  30   f  with the cutting edge plane CEP. Of course, a skilled person will realise that many combinations of integrally formed cutting members  32   e  and  32   f  with cutting members  28   a ,  28   b  having blades mounted below the blade support can be provided. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the cutting members  28   a ,  28   b  having blades mounted below the blade support are illustrated as being closer to the leading longitudinal side  24  of a razor cartridge  20  compared to the integrally formed cutting members  32   e  and  32   f  In embodiments, cutting members  28   a ,  28   b  having blades mounted below the blade support are provided closer to the trailing longitudinal side  24  of a razor cartridge  20  compared to the integrally formed cutting members  32   e  and  32   f  In embodiments, the cutting members  28   a ,  28   b  having blades mounted below the blade support are interleaved with integrally formed cutting members  32   e  and  32   f  along the transverse direction of the razor cartridge  20  in any sequence. 
     Therefore, the second type of cutting member comprises an integrally formed rigid razor blade having a cutting-edge portion extending about a cutting-edge portion plane, and having a cutting edge  30   e ,  30   f  at one end, a base portion  80  extending along a base portion plane, and a curvilinear portion  82  intermediate the cutting-edge portion and the base portion  80 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective partial exploded view of a razor cartridge  20  according to an embodiment of the first aspect. “Partial exploded view” means that minor components of the razor cartridge  20  have been omitted from the exploded view to aid the clarity of the drawing. 
     The shaving direction S is depicted in  FIG. 7  using arrow S. In use, the razor cartridge  20  contacts a cutting edge plane CEP (not shown in  FIG. 7 ), and is translated across the cutting edge plane CEP in the direction of arrow S. 
     In an embodiment, a transverse cutting member contact axis P-Q (illustrated in  FIG. 7 ) of the razor cartridge is defined as an axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the razor cartridge  20 , coplanar with the cutting edge plane CEP, and which passes through each cutting member  28   a - e  of the plurality of cutting members  29 . 
     In the example, the housing comprises a housing  21  fabricated partially or completely of synthetic materials, such as plastic, resin, or elastomers. In embodiments, the housing is integrally formed. In embodiments, the housing is formed from a plurality of sub-assemblies that are joined together by joining methods such as adhesive bonding, interference fitting, or ultrasonic or thermal welding, for example. 
     The housing  21  comprises a platform member (not shown) connectable to a handle  2  (for example, as shown in  FIG. 1 ) of a shaving razor assembly  1  either integrally, or by a connection mechanism such as a pivotable bearing member  8  or by an interconnecting member (not shown). 
     In the example, a guard member  23  is provided on the leading longitudinal edge of the razor cartridge  20 . In use, the guard member  23  is the first portion of the razor cartridge  20  to contact uncut hairs. The side of the razor cartridge  20  opposite to the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge  20  and opposite to the shaving direction is the trailing longitudinal side  25  of the razor cartridge  20 . The trailing longitudinal side  25  is thus the final portion of the razor cartridge  20  to contact the cutting edge plane CEP, in use. 
     It will be noted that the terms “leading longitudinal side  24 ” and “trailing longitudinal side  25 ” are used to label specific locations on the razor cartridge  20 , and do not imply or require the absence or presence of a particular feature. For example, a guard member  23  may in one example be located at the “leading longitudinal side  24 ” but it is not essential that this location comprises such a feature. 
     The guard member  23 , in an example, comprises an elastomeric member (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). In an example, the elastomeric layer comprises one or more fins extending longitudinally in parallel to the guard member  23  and substantially perpendicularly to the shaving direction. One purpose of such an elastomeric layer is, for example, to tension the skin prior to cutting. 
     The razor cartridge  20  further comprises a plurality of cutting members  29  accommodated in cutting member mounting portion  19  (in an example, a recess) and attached using a blade receiving section  31  of the housing  21 . The plurality of cutting members  29  comprises a plurality of cutting members  28   a - d . The plurality of cutting members  29  is disposed in the housing  21  longitudinally and parallel to the shaving direction SH such that in use, blades of the cutting members  28   a - d  contact a cutting edge plane CEP and cut hair of a user present in contact with the cutting edge plane CEP as the razor cartridge  20  is moved across the cutting edge plane CEP in the shaving direction S. 
     The particular design of the plurality of cutting members  29  illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 6  has been discussed previously in relation to the blade arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 4 . However, at least the blade arrangements illustrated in  FIG. 5  may also be provided as the plurality of cutting members. 
     In an example, a razor cartridge  20  is provided with a plurality of cutting members  29  comprising two cutting members. In an example, a razor cartridge  20  is provided with a plurality of cutting members  29  comprising three cutting members. In an example, a razor cartridge  20  is provided with a plurality of cutting members  29  comprising four cutting members. In an example, a razor cartridge  20  is provided with a plurality of cutting members  29  comprising five cutting members. In an example, a razor cartridge  20  is provided with a plurality of cutting members  29  comprising six cutting members. In an example, a razor cartridge  20  is provided with a plurality of cutting members  29  comprising seven or more cutting members. 
     The plurality of cutting members  29  defines a plurality of substantially parallel inter-blade spans. The number of inter-blade spans is one fewer than the number of cutting members  28   a - d.    
     The housing  21  comprises first  16  and second  18  side portions. The housing  21  comprises, for example, first retainer  26  and second retainer  27  configured to mate resiliently with the respective first  16  and second  18  side portions to confine the cutting members within the razor cartridge  20  housing, although other retaining mechanisms are known to a skilled person and are not excluded. When the razor cartridge  20  is in an assembled state, the first and second side portions  16 ,  18  are configured to confine the longitudinal ends of the guard member  23 , and the cutting members  28   a - 28   d  of the plurality of cutting members  29 . The first retainer  26  and second retainer  27  may comprise, for example, plastic, an elastomer, a resin, a metal or metal alloy material and furthermore may be of a different shape to that illustrated. 
     The razor cartridge  20  of  FIG. 6  further comprises four resilient fingers  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c ,  38   d  provided in the vicinity of the first retainer  26 . The razor cartridge  20  comprises four resilient fingers provided in the vicinity of the second retainer  27  that are in transverse corresponding alignment with the four resilient fingers  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c ,  38   d  under the first retainer  26 . In an example, the resilient fingers  38  are integral with the housing and extend inwardly from the first  16  and second  17  sides. 
     In total, the eight resilient fingers each exert a bias force against respective cutting members of the plurality of cutting members  29  in the direction of the cutting edge plane CEP such that the cutting members of the plurality of cutting members  29  are in a rest position, when the razor cartridge  20  is assembled. In the rest position, the cutting edges  30  of the blades  33 , at each lateral end of the blades  33  near the first  26  and second  27  retainers, bear against corresponding stop portions, for example. In an example, the stop portions may be the first  26  and second  27  retainer. 
     Accordingly, the rest position of the cutting members  28   a - d  is well defined, enabling a high shaving precision. Of course, the illustrated biasing arrangement has many variations. For example, a further plurality of resilient fingers may be provided on one or more of the cross members  35 . In a simplified razor cartridge design (such as for low cost, disposable razors), the resilient fingers may be omitted. A skilled person will appreciate that the number of resilient fingers  38  to be provided is related to the number of cutting members  28   a - d  in the plurality of cutting members  29 , and that fewer or more than eight resilient fingers  38  can be provided. It is not essential that the resilient fingers are provided as the skilled person is aware of other mounting means for the cutting members  28 . 
     In an example, the biasing members are omitted. 
     A pivotable bearing member (not shown) may, in an example be provided on the handle side of the razor cartridge  20  configured to connect to a pivotable handle  2 . Such a pivotable bearing member, in an example, comprises two or more shell bearings configured to connect to the pivotable bearing member  8  of the handle  2 , although a skilled person is familiar with many attachment mechanisms of a razor cartridge to a handle which are not excluded. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the cutting members comprised in the plurality of cutting members  29  are disposed in the razor cartridge  20  such that two cutting edges  30  comprised, respectively, on the two foremost cutting members  28   a  and  28   b  of the plurality of cutting members  29  (nearest to the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge) define a leading inter-blade span  40  that is closest to the leading longitudinal side  24  of the razor cartridge  20 . The inter-blade spans are illustrated further in  FIG. 8 b    and discussed subsequently. 
     Each cutting member in the plurality of cutting members  29  comprises a longitudinal blade support  32 . A longitudinal blade is mounted on the blade support  32 . The cutting edge  30  of a cutting member  28   a - d  is oriented forward in the direction of shaving S. The blade support  32  of a cutting member  28   a - d  is an elongated, partially curvilinear piece of rigid material. In an example, the blade support  32  is a metal such as austenitic stainless steel. 
     Each cutting member in the plurality of cutting members  29  is, in an example, resiliently 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 plurality of cutting members  29 . At least one cutting member of the plurality of cutting members  29 , up to all cutting members in the plurality of cutting members  29  may be resiliently mounted on the resilient fingers  38  in the blade housing  21 . 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG. 7 , the transverse inner sides of housing  21  comprise a plurality of holding slots  34 . Each holding slot  34  on the transverse inner sides is configured to accept and retain one side of a blade support  32  of a cutting member of the plurality of cutting members  29  so that the cutting members of the plurality of cutting members  29  are held in the blade receiving section  31  with a substantially parallel inter-blade span. In embodiments, at least two or more of the cutting members are non-parallel to each other. Therefore, as many holding slots  34  are provided in each transverse inner side of housing  21  as there are blade support members. 
     Between the blade receiving section  31  and the handle (in a part adjacent to a handle  2  connection, for example) there are, in examples, provided one or more cross members  35  that are integrally formed with the housing  21 . The cross members  35  may comprise a plurality of blade support guides  36  provided as a plurality of protuberances aligned with the holding slot  34  on the transverse inner sides of the housing  21 . The blade support guides  36  function to provide an additional support to the blades in a direction parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, thus increasing the stability during use. 
     In examples, a razor cartridge  20  according to the first aspect has a variable inter-blade span IBS. Therefore, in one variant, the spacing of the blade supports  32  is progressively decreased between the leading longitudinal side  24  and the trailing longitudinal side  25  of the razor  20  to generate the variable inter-blade span IBS. One alternative way to achieve this arrangement is to progressively decrease the spacing between the holding slots  34  provided on the transverse inner sides in a transverse direction (y to −y) of the razor cartridge. The positioning and/or width of the blade support guides  36  is adjusted commensurately, such that space between the cutting edges  30  of the cutting members  28   a - d  is parallel. 
     Accordingly,  FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a razor cartridge  20  having a total number of skin contact areas with a user (in use) that is at least one greater than the total number of cutting members comprised within a plurality of cutting members of the razor cartridge  20 . 
       FIG. 8 a    is a schematic cutaway side view of a razor cartridge taken from the embodiment of  FIG. 6  along transverse cutting member contact axis P-Q illustrated by the dotted line in  FIG. 7 . Where possible, like elements are denoted with like reference numerals. 
       FIG. 8 a    illustrates a side view of the holding slots  34   a - d  provided razor cartridge  20  for holding the cutting members  28   a - d  of the plurality of cutting members  29 . The plurality of resilient fingers  38  shown in  FIG. 6  is not shown in the projection of  FIG. 8 a    to aid clarity. 
       FIG. 8 a    illustrates the altered orientation of the blades  33   a - 33   d  in the longitudinal direction the direction from the leading longitudinal side  24  to the trailing longitudinal side  25  of razor cartridge  20 . 
     Of course, the provision of a succession of holding slots  34  in the first  26  and second  27  retainers to support the cutting members of the plurality of cutting members  29  is not essential. The plurality of cutting members  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 an example, a plurality of blade support guides  36  and a succession of holding slots  34  may be used in combination to provide progressively decreasing span in the longitudinal direction. 
       FIG. 8 b    is a duplicate of the schematic cutaway side view of the razor cartridge  20  shown in  FIG. 8 a    that has been annotated to denote inter-blade spacing. The longitudinal line on an internal leading longitudinal wall of the blade receiving section  50  that is closest to a cutting edge plane CEP in use serves as an origin O for the purposes of the present definition. 
     A leading blade  33   a  to housing  21  span  44  is the transverse span (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation of the blades of the plurality of cutting members  29  that spans the space between the internal leading longitudinal wall of the blade receiving section  50  that is closest to a cutting edge plane CEP in use (the origin) and the cutting edge  30   a  of the leading blade of the plurality of cutting members  29 . 
     A leading inter-blade span  40  that is the closest inter-blade span to the leading longitudinal side  24  of the razor cartridge 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 plurality of cutting members  29 . The leading inter-blade span  40  begins at an area on cutting edge  30   a  and ends on to a corresponding area on the cutting edge  30   b  of the first intermediate blade  33   b.    
     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 plurality of cutting members  29 . The first intermediate inter-blade span  41  begins at an area on cutting edge  30   b  and ends on a corresponding area on the cutting edge  30   c  of the second intermediate blade  33   c.    
     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 plurality of cutting members  29 . The trailing inter-blade span  42  begins at an area on cutting edge  30   c  and ends on a corresponding area on the cutting edge  30   d  of the blade  33   d  that is closest to the trailing longitudinal side  25  of the razor cartridge  20 . 
     A trailing blade to frame span  45  that 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 plurality of cutting members  29  the cutting edge  30   a  and a corresponding area on the internal trailing longitudinal wall of blade receiving section  52 . 
     Thus, the total span of the blade receiving section  31  corresponds to the sum of spans  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. 
     At least one blade mounting portion  70  is disposed on an inner surface  64  of a respective blade support  32  that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH. The cutting edge  30  extends forward from the front of the blade support  32 . However, the blade support  32  has a non-negligible thickness. For example, the blade support  32  has a thickness in the range 0.12 mm-0.21 mm, and more specifically in the range 0.155 mm-0.185, and most specifically 0.17 mm. 
     Consequently, a non-negligible span defined as the transverse span (substantially aligned with the shaving direction S in use) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal orientation exists between each cutting edge  30  and the blade-mounting end of each blade support  32  of each cutting member of the plurality of cutting members  29 . This may be referred to as a cutting edge to blade span  43  of a respective cutting member. The edge support span may be derived using trigonometry based on the thickness of the blade support  32  and the tilt angle relative to the shaving plane of the blade receiving section  31  of the blade support  32 . 
     In an example, each blade support  32  of the plurality of cutting members  29  is identical and has the same thickness T 2  and the same tilt angle A. In this case, the cutting edge to blade span  43   a  or  43   b  are identical. 
     In an example, one or more of the cutting edge to blade spans  43   a  or  43   b  are in the range 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, and specifically 0.5 mm. 
     In an example, at least one blade support  32  of the plurality of cutting members  29  has a different thickness and/or tilt angle to the remainder of the blade supports  32 . In this case, at least one cutting edge to blade span  43   a  will differ from the remainder. An effect is that individual cutting edge to blade spans  43   a  or  43   b  may be individually tuned to provide further fine control over skin bulge effects. For example, the cutting edge to blade span  43   a  or  43   b  may be designed to progressively increase or decrease. 
     A leading blade to frame span  44  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 plurality of cutting members  29 . The leading blade to frame span begins at an area on the internal leading longitudinal wall  50  that is, in an example, closest to the cutting edge plane CEP the leading blade to frame span ends at a corresponding area on the cutting edge  30   a  of the blade  33  of the leading cutting member  28   a  that is in an example, closest to the cutting edge plane CEP. 
     In an example the leading frame to blade span  44  is 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, and specifically 0.7 mm 
     A trailing blade to frame span  45  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 plurality of cutting members  29 . The following blade to frame span begins at an area on the cutting edge  30   d  of the blade  33   d  of the trailing cutting member  28   d . The trailing blade to frame span  45  ends at a corresponding area on the internal trailing longitudinal wall  52  that is, in an example, closest to the cutting edge plane CEP. 
     In an example, the trailing frame to blade span  45  is 1.6 mm to 2.0 mm, and specifically 1.8 mm. In an example, the leading blade to frame span  44  is greater than the trailing blade to frame span  45 . In an example, the leading blade to frame span  44  is smaller than the trailing blade to frame span  45 . In an example, the leading blade to frame span  44  is substantially equal to than the trailing blade to frame span  45 . In an example, the leading blade to frame span  44  is greater than the leading inter-blade span  40 . In an example, the leading blade to frame span  44  is substantially equal to than the leading inter-blade span  40 . In an example, the leading blade to frame span  44  is smaller than to the leading inter-blade span  40 . In an example, the trailing blade to frame span  45  is greater than the trailing inter-blade span  42 . In an example, the trailing blade to frame span  45  is substantially equal to the trailing inter-blade span  42 . In an example, the trailing blade to frame span  45  is smaller than the trailing inter-blade span  42 . In an example, the first intermediate inter-blade span  41  and the second intermediate inter-blade span  42  are each substantially equal to the leading inter-blade span  40 . In an example, the first intermediate inter-blade span  41  and the second intermediate inter-blade span are each substantially equal to the trailing inter-blade span  42 . In an example, the first intermediate inter-blade span  41  is less than the leading inter-blade span  41  and greater than the second intermediate inter-blade span. 
     In an example, the second intermediate inter-blade span is equal to the trailing inter-blade span  42 . In an example, a leading inter-blade span that is closest to the leading longitudinal side of the razor cartridge is greater than a trailing inter-blade span that is closest to the trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge. 
     Specific measurements of the separation distance ranges inter-blade spans will now be discussed. A skilled person will appreciate that many choices and combinations of inter-blade spans may be used. 
     In an example, the leading inter blade span  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  28   a - c  are present, the leading inter blade spans defined above may still apply, in combination with a trailing inter-blade span  42  in 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  28   a - d  are present, the trailing inter-blade span  42  is in 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. In an example, the leading inter blade span  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 an example, the first intermediate inter 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 an example, the trailing inter-blade span  42  is within a range of 1.4 mm to 1.8 mm, more specifically 1.50 mm to 1.65 mm, or specifically is 1.55 mm. In an example, the leading blade to frame span  44  is within a range of 0.4-1.0 mm, 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm, or is 0.7 mm. In an example, the trailing 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 possibly combination of inter-blade spans is possible, provided a leading inter-blade span that is closest to the leading longitudinal side  24  of the razor cartridge is greater than a trailing inter-blade span that is closest to the trailing longitudinal side  25  of the razor cartridge. 
     The ranges discussed above are generally increased as compared to conventional razor cartridges. The rinsability of a cartridge as discussed herein is generally improved, because more space is available between the cutting members  28   a - d  for debris to flow off closer to the leading edge of the razor cartridge  20 . The size of skin bulges is also reduced, resulting in an improved shaving performance. 
     According to an embodiment in which the leading inter blade span  40  is larger compared to the first intermediate inter blade span  41  or the trailing inter-blade span  42 , the first two blades that cut the highest amount of hair are far enough apart to ensure that the debris can be removed easily. The remainder of the blades may have a narrower IBS to reduce the risk of nicks and cuts. 
     In examples, the leading inter-blade span is in the range 1.70 mm to 2.20 mm, more specifically from 1.80 mm to 2.00 mm, and most specifically 1.85 mm. In examples, the trailing inter-blade span is in the range 0.9 mm to 1.6 mm, more specifically from 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, and most specifically 1.05 or 1.30 mm. 
       FIG. 8 b    also illustrates a first debris run-off portion  46 , a second debris run-off portion  47 , and a third debris run-off portion  48 . The width of the debris run-off portions is defined by the relative spacing of the cutting members of the plurality of cutting members  29 . As illustrated, the first debris run-off portion  46  is wider than the second debris run-off portion  47 , which in turn is wider than the third debris run-off portion  48 . An effect of this is that, in use, a greater amount of hair clippings and foam can be removed via the first (relatively wider) debris run-off portion  46 . This reduces the risk of blockage of the debris run-off portions, particularly when the razor cartridge is used by infrequent shaver users, because the most troublesome debris can escape via the first (relatively wider) debris run-off portion  46 . 
     Design of the size of the leading blade to frame span  44  and/or the trailing blade to frame span  45  is an example. The leading blade to frame span  44  may be larger than, equal to, or smaller than the leading inter-blade span  40 . The trailing blade to frame span  45  may be larger than, equal to, or smaller than the trailing inter-blade span  42 . 
     The leading inter-blade span  40  is greater than the trailing inter-blade span  42 . 
     In an example, the first intermediate inter-blade span  41  is equal to, or less than, the leading inter-blade span  40 . In an example, the first intermediate inter-blade span  41  is equal to, or greater than, the trailing inter-blade span  42 . 
     A skilled person will appreciate that any disclosed arrangement of inter-blade spans may be combined with any permutation of the blade arrangements (facing towards the shaving plane, or facing away from the shaving plane) illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     Although a razor cartridge with four blades  33   a - d  has been illustrated, the present specification also includes a razor cartridge comprising three blades, or greater than four blades. 
     For example, five substantially parallel cutting members  28  may be disposed 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 an example, consecutive inter-blade spans of the razor cartridge successively decrease between the leading longitudinal side  24  and the trailing longitudinal side  25  of the razor cartridge in the shaving direction. 
     Turning briefly to  FIG. 10 , the shaving angle A defines the angle of declination of the inner surface of the blade support  64  from the reference of the blade support  32 . In an example, A is an acute angle, in an example is between 60 and 75 degrees, more specifically is 68 degrees. 
     The longitudinal blade  33  comprises a cutting edge  30  capable of cutting hairs. In an example, a rounded indent is cut from the sheet metal forming the blade support  32 . 
     A conventional blade support (not illustrated) provides a blade mounted on the outer surface of the blade support, such that in use, no part of the blade support comes into contact with cutting edge plane CEP. 
     Notably, in the present aspects and embodiments, at least one cutting member  28  of the plurality of cutting members  29  comprises a blade mounting portion  70  of the blade support  32  disposed on an inner surface of the respective blade support  28  that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH, and a blade attached to the blade mounting portion  70 . 
     According to the present approach, at least one blade  33  is mounted on an inner surface  64  of the respective blade support and projects from underneath the inner surface defining a cutting edge to blade span  43  between a cutting edge  30  of the blade and the end of the blade support  32  towards the shaving plane SH. In use, as the cutting member  28  contacts the cutting edge plane CEP, both the cutting edge of the blade  30  and the end of the blade support  32  contact the cutting edge plane CEP simultaneously, leading to a reduction in the force exerted on the cutting edge plane CEP exerted by a single cutting edge, for example. 
     In other words, the position of a blade  33  on a blade support  32  when a cutting member  28   a - d  is mounted in the razor cartridge is defined by the fact that an imaginary tangent provided from the surface of the blade  33  that is directed away from the cutting edge plane CEP does not pass through any area of the blade support  32  that the blade  33  is mounted on. 
     A further definition of the position of a blade  33  on the blade support is that when a cutting member  28   a - d  is mounted in the razor cartridge, an imaginary tangent provided from the portion of the blade  33  in contact with the blade mounting portion  70  that is directed towards the cutting edge plane CEP in use passes through the blade support  32  that the blade  33  is mounted on. 
       FIG. 10 a    is a schematic side view of a cutting member  28  comprising a blade mounting portion  70  disposed on an inner surface of a blade support that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH. 
     A longitudinal blade support member (in other words a cutting member  28  without the blade  33  attached) comprises a substantially elongated flat lower portion  56 , a substantially elongated flat top side  62 , and a radius bend portion  58 . The radius bend portion  58  may have an inner radius of curvature RO that is more than 0.1 mm. The radius bend portion  58  may have an inner radius of curvature RO that is less than 0.9 mm. A minimum recommended inner radius of curvature RO of sheet metal should be at least the same as its thickness T. A safety factor of the thickness of the blade support  32  may be applied. By multiplying the safety factor with the thickness of T (around 0.17 mm), the radius of curvature RO may be approximately 0.25 mm, more specifically between 0.16 mm and 0.40 mm, and most specifically between 0.25 mm or 0.28 mm. 
     As discussed, the blade support  32  may be made from a flat sheet metal part which is formed into a curvilinear section before welding of the blade  33  on the inner surface  64  of the blade support  32 . The cutting member  28  thus comprises a blade  33  (razor blade). 
     The blade  33  has, in its flat portion, a thickness T 1  about 0.1 mm (for example, between 0.04 and 0.11 mm). The total length L 2  of the blade  33  between the cutting edge  30  of the blade  33  and the opposite back edge of the blade  33  is about 1 mm (for example, between 0.8 mm and 1.3 mm). The portion of the blade  33  that is in contact with the inner surface  64  of a blade support that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH has a length L 1  that is about 0.49 mm+/−0.1 mm long. In this way, a good retention of the blade on the underside of the blade support  32  (the inner surface of the blade support  32 ) is ensured. 
     In an example, the height H of the cutting member  28  is between 2.53 mm and 2.63 mm, specifically 2.58 mm. 
     In an example, the rounded front end  72  (providing skin contact portion  30   x ) of the blade support is rounded or chamfered to improve glideness properties of the cutting member. 
     In an example, the blade  33  may be positioned on the inner surface  64  of the blade support  32  to adjust the local exposure E of the cutting edge plane CEP positively or negatively compared to a support plane intersecting the front edge of the blade support  30   x . The exposure is a measure of how prominently the cutting edge  30  of a blade protrudes above or sinks below the rounded front end  72  of its blade support. 
     In an example, the blade  33  may be positioned to have an exposure E relative to the support plane of the front edge of the blade support  30   x  in the range −80 um to +80 um, more specifically an exposure of about −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 L 3  of the cutting member  28 , between the cutting edge  30  and the outer face of the lower portion of the blade support  32  is about 1.0 mm (for example, between 0.9 mm and 1.6 mm). 
     For blades positioned above their blade support (such as  33   c ,  33   d ), the preferred exposure range is from −50 to 50 um, measured from the shaving plane SH. 
     The blade  33  is fixed on the inner surface  64  of the blade support by any known means, such as by laser spot welding. In examples, the blade  33  is fixed on the inner surface  64  of the blade support by a plurality of spot welds (for example, between ten and sixteen spot welds) distributed along the longitudinal dimension of the blade support  32 . Each of the spot welds may be performed on the inner face  68  of blade  33 . Alternatively, each of the spot welds may be carried out on the outer surface of the blade support  66 , or a mixture of the two. 
       FIG. 10 b    is a schematic side view of an integrally formed cutting member  28   e  having performed at its distal end a blade  33   e . The integrally formed cutting member  28   e  comprises a base portion  80  having a height L 4 , a curvilinear portion  82 , and a cutting-edge portion  84  that is substantially linear and that forms an acute angle A with the cutting edge plane CEP. The cutting-edge portion  84  may be divided into a section having a parallel portion of length L 5 , and a portion that narrows towards the cutting edge  33   e  of length L 6 . The material examples and dimensions discussed in relation to the cutting member illustrated in  FIG. 10 a    may also be used to provide the integrally formed cutting member  28   e.    
     The curvilinear (bent) portion  82   e  can be provided in any form that enables the cutting-edge portion  84  and the cutting-edge  33   e  to meet the cutting edge plane CEP with an acceptable shaving angle. 
       FIG. 12  schematically illustrates a method of manufacturing a razor cartridge according to a second aspect. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a shaving razor assembly  1  according to a third aspect. The shaving 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 either releasably attached to the razor handle via a pivotable  8  or non-pivotable connection, integrally formed with the razor handle via a non-pivotable connection, or integrally formed with the razor handle via a pivotable connection. 
     According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a razor handle  2  and a razor cartridge holder comprising a plurality of razor cartridges razor cartridge  20  according to the first aspect or its embodiments. 
     In the preceding specification, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present disclosure. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. 
     Reference throughout the preceding specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example”, “one aspect” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example”, “one aspect” or “an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. 
     Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. 
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
         S Shaving direction 
         SH Shaving plane 
         CEP Cutting edge plane 
         L Longitudinal direction 
         IBS inter blade span 
         RO inner radius of curvature 
         T 1  Razor blade thickness 
         T 2  Blade support thickness 
         h cutting member height deviation 
         IP extended line 
         P-Q transverse cutting member contact axis 
           1  Shaving razor assembly 
           2  Handle 
           4  proximal portions 
           5   a ,  5   b  release mechanism 
           6  distal portion 
           7  thumb rest 
           8  pivotable bearing member 
           9  handle grips 
           12  bulging 
           14  skin contact area 
           16  first side portion 
           18  second side portion 
           19  cutting member mounting portion (recess) 
           20  razor cartridge 
           21  housing 
           22  platform member 
           23  guard member 
           24  leading longitudinal side 
           25  trailing longitudinal side 
           26  first retainer 
           27  second retainer 
           28   a - b  cutting member with blade mounted “underneath” of the blade support 
           28   c - d  cutting member with blade mounted “on top” of the blade support 
           28   e - f  integrally-formed cutting member 
           29  plurality of cutting members 
           30   a - f  cutting edge 
           30   ax  front edge of first blade support 
           30   bx  front edge of second blade support 
           31   a - d  blade receiving section 
           32  blade support 
           33   a - d  blade 
           34   a - d  holding slots 
           35  cross member 
           36  blade support guide 
           38   a - d  resilient finger 
           40  leading inter blade span 
           41  first intermediate inter blade span 
           42  trailing inter-blade span 
           43   a - d  cutting edge to blade span 
           44  leading blade to frame span 
           45  trailing blade to frame span 
           46  first debris run-off portion 
           47  second debris run-off portion 
           48  third debris run-off portion 
           50  internal leading longitudinal wall of blade receiving section  31   
           52  internal trailing longitudinal wall of blade receiving section  31   
           56  lower portion of blade support 
           58  radius bend portion 
           62  top side of blade support member 
           64  inner surface of blade support 
           66  outer surface of blade support 
           68  inner face of blade 
           70  blade mounting portion 
           72  rounded front end of blade support 
           74  obtaining a razor cartridge housing and three or more cutting members . . . 
           76  disposing the three or more cutting members . . . 
           80  base portion 
           82  curvilinear portion 
           84  cutting edge portion