Patent Publication Number: US-10773401-B2

Title: Shaving razor cartridge and method of assembling

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to shaving razors and more particularly to shaving cartridges having two guards, two caps, and a plurality of blades. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In general, shaving razors of the wet shave type include a cartridge or blade unit with at least one blade with a cutting edge, which is moved across the surface of the skin being shaved by means of a handle to which the cartridge is attached. The cartridge may be mounted detachably on the handle to enable the cartridge to be replaced by a fresh cartridge when the blade sharpness has diminished to an unsatisfactory level, or it may be attached permanently to the handle with the intention that the entire razor be discarded when the blade or blades have become dulled (i.e., disposable razor). The connection of the cartridge to the handle provides a pivotal mounting of the cartridge with respect to the handle so that the cartridge angle adjusts to follow the contours of the surface being shaved. In such systems, the cartridge can be biased toward a rest position by the action of a spring-biased plunger (a cam follower) carried on the handle against a cam surface on the cartridge housing. 
     Razor cartridges usually include a guard which contacts the skin in front of the blade(s) and a cap for contacting the skin behind the blade(s) during shaving. The cap and the guard aid in establishing the so-called “shaving geometry”, i.e., the parameters which determine the blade orientation and position relative to the skin during shaving, which in turn have a strong influence on the shaving performance and efficacy of the razor. The cap and the guard may aid in establishing the exposure of the blades. The blade exposure is defined to be the perpendicular distance or height of the blade edge measured with respect to a plane tangential to the skin contacting surfaces of the blade unit elements next in front of and next behind the edge. Therefore, for a three-bladed blade unit, the exposure of the first or primary blade is measured with reference to a plane tangential to the guard and the edge of the second blade, and the exposure of the third or tertiary blade is measured with reference to a plane tangential to the edge of the second blade and the cap. 
     The minimum acceptable exposure may be influenced by other blade unit dimensions, such as the distance from the skin engaging surface of the guard to the edge, i.e. “the span” of the primary blade. As referred to herein, “the span” means the distance from the blade edge to the skin contacting element immediately in front of that edge as measured along a tangent line extending between the said element and the blade edge. The guard may include a generally rigid guard bar that may be formed integrally with the housing or platform structure, which provides a support for the blades. Guards may also include skin stretching elements made from various types of elastomeric materials that are intended to stretch the skin and/or align hair in front of the blade. 
     Safety razors having cartridges with several blades have in recent years been sold in very large numbers and are generally acknowledged to give a better quality of shave, especially in terms of closeness, than single bladed razors. A blade unit having many blades can produce a closer shave than a similar blade unit with only one or two blades. However, closeness of shave obtained is only one parameter by which razor users judge the performance of a razor. Comfort is another important characteristic to consider. For example, many consumers describe themselves as having sensitive skin, which is prone to nicks, cuts and irritation. Discomfort during a shave, often described by shavers as a “pull &amp; tug” sensation is caused by the nerves around the follicle being stimulated. This nerve stimulation can happen by moving the hairs, pulling and/or cutting the hairs and by dragging the razor cartridge over the surface of the skin. 
     Additionally, many consumers suffer from acne and/or pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) that make shaving uncomfortable. PFB or shaving bumps is a foreign body inflammatory reaction involving papules and pustules. It is a common dermatologic condition principally affecting adult men who have naturally coarse or tightly curling hair, particularly those who shave closely on a regular basis. The leading edge of closely cropped facial hair re-entering the epidermis of the skin or transecting the wall of the hair follicle results in localized inflammatory reactions over the affected site. The process can lead to secondary skin infections and, in severe cases, permanent scarring. Accordingly, what is needed is a shaving razor cartridge that provides a more comfortable shave and/or decrease skin issues caused by shaving the face and body (e.g., PFB, irritation, redness, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, acne etc.). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the invention features, in general, a shaving razor cartridge with a housing having a primary guard at a front of the housing, a secondary cap at a rear of the housing and at least one spring member positioned between the primary guard and the secondary cap. A bridge member is positioned between the primary guard and the secondary cap. The bridge member has a primary cap surface and a secondary guard surface. A first blade having a cutting edge is mounted to at least one of the spring members between the primary guard and the primary cap surface. A second blade having a cutting edge is mounted to at least one of the spring members between the secondary guard surface and the secondary cap. The bridge member has a pair of spaced apart legs that are mounted on at least one of the spring members. 
     In another aspect, the invention features, in general, a method of assembling a shaving razor cartridge by providing a housing having a primary guard and a secondary cap. A first blade having a cutting edge is mounted to the housing. A second blade having a cutting edge is mounted to the housing. A bridge member having a pair of spaced apart legs is mounted to the housing immediately between the first blade and the second blade. The first blade, the second blade and the bridge member are secured to the housing with at least one clip. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention features, in general, a bridge member for a shaving razor cartridge with a pair of generally parallel spaced apart legs configured for mounting within a pair of respective blade slots of a cartridge housing. An upper surface extends across the legs. The upper surface has a width of 1.5 mm to 4 mm. 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a shaving razor cartridge. 
         FIG. 2  is a section view of the shaving razor cartridge, taken generally along the line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a bridge member that may be incorporated into the shaving razor cartridge of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a bridge member that may be incorporated into the shaving razor cartridge of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a bridge member that may be incorporated into the shaving razor cartridge of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an assembly view of the shaving razor cartridge of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of the shaving razor cartridge of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a top view is shown of a shaving razor cartridge  10 . The shaving razor cartridge  10  may include a housing  12  having a primary guard  14  toward a front of the housing  12  and a secondary cap  16  toward a rear of the housing  12 . In certain embodiments, there may be a first blade  18  and a second blade  20  mounted to the housing  12  between the primary guard  14  and the secondary cap  16 . Each of the blades  18  and  20  may have a respective cutting edge  22  and  24  facing in the same direction (e.g., toward the primary guard  14 ). The blades  18  and  20  may be rigidly fixed to the housing  12  such that the blades  18  and  20  do not move relative to the housing  12  during a shaving stroke or the blades  18  and  20  may be spring mounted. 
     A bridge member  26  may be positioned between the first blade  18  and the second blade  20 . The bridge member  26  may have a primary cap surface  28  and a secondary guard surface  30 . Accordingly, the primary guard  14  and the primary cap surface  28  may establish a shaving plane for the first cutting edge  22 . Similarly, the secondary guard surface  30  and the secondary cap  16  may establish the shaving plane for the second blade edge  24 . In certain embodiments, the secondary guard surface  30  and the primary cap surface  28  may be a unitary member. The bridge member  26  may be a separate component that is mounted to the housing  12 . The bridge member  26  may comprise a metal, such as aluminum, copper or stainless steel. 
     The blades  18  and  20  and the bridge member  26  may be secured to the housing  12  with at least one clip  32   a  and  32   b  that is bent around a portion of the housing  12 . Although the clips  32   a  and  32   b  are shown as two separate components securing the blades  18  and  20  and the bridge member  26  to the housing  12 , the clips  32   a  and  32   b  may also be a single piece design. In addition, the clips  32   a  and  32   b  may not necessarily be bent or formed around a portion of the housing  12  to secure the blades  18  and  20  and the bridge member  26  relative to the housing  12 . For example, the clips  32   a  and  32   b  may be snapped fit, press fit, glued, or ultrasonically welded to the housing  12 . The clips  32   a  and  32   b  may comprise a metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel) or a polymeric material (e.g., Noryl™ (a blend of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and polystyrene developed by General Electric Plastics, now SABIC Innovative Plastics), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acetal, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene, or any combinations thereof. The clips  32   a  and  32   b  may contact the cutting edges  22  and  24  of the respective blades  18  and  20  to establish a shaving plane. 
     In certain embodiments, the clips  32   a  and  32   b  may not contact the primary cap surface  28  and/or the secondary guard surface  30  to facilitate proper positioning of the primary cap surface  28  and the secondary guard surface  30  relative to the cutting edges  22  and  24 . For example, if the clips  32   a  and  32   b  extended over or around the bridge member  26 , the clips  32   a  and  32   b  may prevent proper skin and hair contact with the cutting edges  22  and  24  because the clips  32   a  and  32   b  are positioned above the primary cap surface  28  and the secondary guard surface  30 . Furthermore, the position of the bridge member  26  would be limited by the thickness of the clips  32   a  and  32   b.    
     It is believed, without being held to theory, that it is possible to minimize skin irritation and PFB by cutting hair close to skin level, but not below the skin&#39;s surface. Multi-blade shaving razor cartridges take advantage of what is known as the hysteresis effect. Hysteresis is the meta-stable extension of hair that occurs after a hair is cut during shaving. In present day razors, sharp cutting edges of the cartridge engage with individual hairs during a shaving stroke, exerting a force on the hairs and causing them to be lifted out of the follicle as the razor is moved across the surface of the skin. Once the hair has been cut and the force is removed, the hair retracts back into the skin. However, in multi-bladed systems, a trailing blade (i.e., second blade) engages the hair and cuts it before the hair is able to retract back into the skin. This concept of consecutive blades cutting hairs before they have fully retracted into the skin is known as “hysteresis cutting”. If the second and consecutive blades also engage and pull hairs while cutting, it becomes possible to get a significantly closer cut than when using a single blade razor. 
     In razor cartridges with multiple, closely spaced, blades it is possible that a single hair may be subjected to engagement with more than one blade during a single cutting episode, multiplying the stimulation of the nerve and the sensation of discomfort. Less closely spaced blades are less likely to engage the same hair in a single cutting episode and therefore less likely to exaggerate nerve stimulation, and discomfort. It is believed, without being held to theory, that uncomfortable nerve stimulation may be reduced by decreasing the likelihood of single hairs engaging with multiple blades during a cutting episode. Furthermore, decreasing the likelihood of single hairs engaging with multiple blades during a cutting episode may help prevent the hair from being cut too close or below the skin&#39;s surface, which may limit growing hair from re-entering the epidermis of the skin. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a cross section view of the shaving razor cartridge  10  is shown, taken generally along the line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . The primary guard  14  may have a width “W 1 ” of about 0.35 mm to about 0.85 mm. The bridge member  26  may provide sufficient spacing between the two cutting edges  22  and  24  to allow the hair to retract further into the hair follicle compared to typical shaving systems. The further the cutting edges  22  and  24  are spaced apart, the longer the time the hair has to retract. The second cutting edge  24  may not cut the same hair as the first cutting edge  22 , but may just cut any hairs missed by the first cutting edge  22 . In certain embodiments, an interblade span “S 1 ” between the cutting edge  22  of the first blade  18  and the cutting edge  24  of the second blade  20  may be about 3 mm to about 6 mm. For example, the interblade span “S 1 ” between the cutting edge  22  of the first blade  18  and the cutting edge  24  of the second blade  20  may be greater than 4.2 mm to provide sufficient spacing to provide a more comfortable shave. The interblade span “S 1 ” between the cutting edge  22  of the first blade  18  and the cutting edge  24  of the second blade  20  may be greater than a span “S 2 ” between the primary guard  14  and the cutting edge  20  of the first blade  18 . The interblade span “S 1 ” between the cutting edge  22  of the first blade  18  and the cutting edge  24  of the second blade  20  may also be greater than a span “S 3 ” between the secondary guard surface  28  and the cutting edge  24  of the second blade  20 . In certain embodiments, the interblade span “S 1 ” may be about 6 to about 12 times greater than the spans S 2  and/or S 3 . The interblade span S 1  may help minimize double engagement of hair, which may result in discomfort and hairs being cut below the skin surface. 
     The blades  18  and  20  may have a respective blade support member  38  and  36 . The support members may be a unitary part of the blades  18  and  20  or alternatively, the blades  18  and  20  may be mounted and secured (e.g., welded) to the respective blade support members  36  and  38 . The blade support members  36  and  38  may be positioned within respective blade slots  40  and  42  of the housing  12 . The bridge member  26  may include a pair of spaced apart legs  44  and  46  extending in a transverse direction to the bridge member  26 . The housing  12  may have a plurality of blade slots  48 ,  50  and  52  between the blades  18  and  20 . The spaced apart legs  44  and  46  may be positioned within the blade slots  50  and  52 , respectively. The spaced apart legs  44  and  46  may provide for improved stability of the bridge member  26  during a shaving stroke, especially as the size of the bridge member  26  increases (e.g., width in a front to rear direction). A single legged bridge member may be more likely to tip or rock within the housing  12  during a shaving stroke because the forces are not as well balanced as the bridge member  26  having two spaced apart legs  44  and  46 . In addition, the two legs  44  and  46  may better distribute the shaving forces to the housing  12  compared to a single leg. The bridge member  26  may be spaced apart from the first blade  18  (and the blade support member  38 ) to define a rinse gap  39  there between. The rinse gap  39  may facilitate the removal of shaving debris (e.g., cut hairs and/or shave prep). Accordingly, less shaving debris may be present when the second blade  20  engages and cuts hair, thus resulting in a more efficient and comfortable shave. The spaced apart legs  44  and  46  may allow for improved spacing of the bridge member  26 . In certain embodiments, the spacing of the legs may be less than the overall width of the bridge member  26 , which may allow for improved rinsing. For example, if the legs  44  and  46  were spaced apart by the same distance as the width of the bridge member  26 , shaving debris may more likely be trapped between leg  46  and blade support member  38 . The legs  44  and  46  may be spaced apart by about 1 mm, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. 
     The blade slot  48  between the second blade  20  (or blade support  36 ) and the bridge member  26  may be open (i.e., no component may be located within the blade slot  48 ). In certain embodiments, the bridge member  26  may overlap the open blade slot  48 . Typical multi-blade cartridge housings utilize blade slots that receive a blade and/or blade support member. The bridge member  26  may allow for a more comfortable shave without the need to design or manufacture a new housing by utilizing the same housing and providing a larger skin support area between the blade  18  closest to the primary guard  14  and the blade  20  that is closest to the secondary cap  16 . For example, the housing  12  may be the same housing that is used for a five-bladed shaving cartridge, but only requires the bridge member  26  and two blades  18  and  20 . 
     In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous for primary cap surface  28  and the secondary guard surface  30  of the bridge member  26  to be positioned above the cutting edges  22  and  24 , which may be preloaded against the bottom surface  34   b  of the respective clips  32   b . The primary cap surface  28  and the secondary guard surface  30  of the bridge member  26  may be positioned on a plane P 1  between a top surface  33   b  and the bottom surface  34   b  of the respective clip  32   b . Although only one clip  32   b  is shown in  FIG. 2 , it is understood clip  32   a  may also have a corresponding top surface  33   a  and bottom surface  34   a  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) and the bridge member  26  may be mounted in a similar fashion in respect to clip  32   b.    
     The bridge member  26  may have a width “W 2 ” to facilitate proper shaving geometry for minimizing double engagement of hairs and preventing hair from being cut below the skin surface. The width “W 2 ” may be measured as an overall width of the bridge member  26  (in a front to rear direction) measured at a plane P 2  tangent to the cuttings edges  22  and  24  (e.g., at bottom surface  34   b  of the clip  32   b ). In certain embodiments, W 2  may be about 1.75 mm to about 4 mm, preferably about 2 mm to about 3 mm. The width of the bridge member  26  may facilitate establishing proper shaving geometry and prevent hair from being cut below the skin surface. For example, the width W 2  of the bridge member  26  may facilitate sufficient spacing between the cutting edges  22  and  24  to allow the hairs to retract back into the hair follicle after being cut by the cutting edge  22  of the first blade  18  prior to being engaged by the cutting edge  24  of the second blade  20 . Furthermore, the width and spacing of the bridge member  26  may reduce double engagement of hair (e.g., when both cutting edges  22  and  24  engage the same hair at the same time). As the interblade span S 1  increases, skin bulge between the cuttings edges  22  and  24  may also increase, which may result in increased nicks and cuts. The width of the bridge member  26  may provide improved skin support to minimize skin bulge, which can result in nicks, cuts and discomfort, especially as the interblade span S 1  increases. 
     In certain embodiments, the width of the bridge member W 2  may be greater than 45% of the interblade blade span S 1 . For example, the width of the bridge member W 2  may be about 50% to about 75% of the interblade blade span S 1 . Accordingly, if the interblade span S 1  was 4.0 mm, then the width W 2  of the bridge member  26  may be greater than 2.0 mm. In certain embodiments, the width of the bridge member W 2  may be about 60% to about 70% of the interblade blade span S 1 . The wider bridge member  26  may provide increased skin support that results in a more comfortable shave by reducing skin bulge while also minimizing double engagement of hairs and hysteresis. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , a perspective view of the bridge member  26  is shown. The bridge member  26  may have a forward edge  62  and a rear edge  64 . In certain embodiments, the forward edge  62  and/or the rear edge  64  may overlap the respective legs  44  and  46  to provide sufficient spacing between the blades  18  and  20  while also allowing the bridge member  26  to fit within the housing  12  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Each of the legs  44  and  46  may have a respective top surface  54  and  56 . The top surfaces  54  and  56  may be recessed lower than the upper surface  58  to provide an area to mount the clips  32   a  and  32   b  of  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, when the clips  32   a  and  32   b  are secured to the housing  12 , the clips  32   a  and  32   b  may be approximately the same height as the upper surface  58  of the bridge member  26 , thus providing a more uniform surface of the shaving razor cartridge  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The legs  44  and  46  may be separate components that are mounted to the bridge member  26  or they may be manufactured as a unitary component with the bridge member  26 . The primary cap surface  28  and the secondary guard surface  30  may be arcuate to provide a comfortable skin support surface. The bridge member  26  may have an upper surface  58  extending across the legs  44  and  46 . The upper surface  58  between the primary cap surface  28  and the secondary guard surface  30  may be generally flat. The flat upper surface  58  may allow for branding on the bridge member  26 . For example, an insignia  60  may be positioned on the upper surface  58  by machining, etching, molding, painting, etc. It is understood that although the bridge member  26  is shown as a flat rectangular shape, numerous other shapes are also possible, such as rounded surfaces. 
     In certain embodiments, the primary cap surface  28 , the secondary guard surface  30  and/or the upper surface  58  may have a coefficient of friction that is less than a coefficient of friction of the primary guard  14 . For example, the primary cap surface  28 , the secondary guard surface  30  and/or the upper surface  58  may have a glossy surface (e.g., 6000 Grit Diamond Buff to 1200 Grit Diamond Buff) to improve glide during a shaving stroke. The bridge member  26  (i.e., the secondary guard surface  30  and/or the upper surface  58 ) may be coated (poly-para-Xylylene or PTFE) or plated (e.g., chrome plating) to improve lubricity. Alternatively, the primary cap surface  28 , the secondary guard surface  30  and/or the upper surface  58  may have a very rough surface to provide for exfoliation of the skin during a shaving stroke (e.g., 600 grit stone or less). The primary cap surface  28 , the secondary guard surface  30  and the upper surface  58  may be manufactured from anodized aluminum to improve lubricity and provide color options for the bridge member  26 . The bridge member  26  may be manufactured by wire EDM, machining or stamping various metals (e.g., stainless steel, copper or aluminum). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , a perspective view of a second possible embodiment of a bridge member  26   b  is shown. The bridge member  26   b  may be substituted for the bridge member  26  in the shaving cartridge  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, the bridge member  26   b  may be inserted into the housing  12 , as described for bridge member  26  in  FIG. 2 . The bridge member  26   b  may include a pair of legs  44   b  and  46   b  that have a respective top surface  54   b  and  56   b . The legs  44   b  and  46   b  may be interconnected by a top surface  27   b . The legs  44   b  and  46   b  may be separate components or they may be manufactured as a unitary component with the top surface  27   b . The top surface  27   b  may define an opening  29   b  configured to receive a lubrication member  31   b . The opening  29   b  may be a recess or extend completely through the top surface  27   b . The lubrication member  29   b  may comprise a water leachable shaving aid that is injection molded, extruded, or thermal/ultrasonic compression. The lubrication member  29   b  may provide a primary cap surface  28   b  and a secondary guard surface  30   b . Accordingly, the lubrication member  29   b  may provide for lubrication in front of (e.g., blade  20  of  FIG. 2 ) and behind (e.g., blade  18  of  FIG. 2 ) one or more blades, which may reduce irritation or eliminate the need for shave prep. The primary cap surface  28   b  and/or the secondary guard surface  30   b  may be arcuate to provide a comfortable skin support surface. The bridge member  26   b  may have an upper surface  58   b  between the primary cap surface  28   b  and the secondary guard surface  30   b . The upper surface  58   b  may allow for branding on the bridge member  26   b , as previously described above. 
     The legs  44   b  and  46   b  may have respective top surfaces  54   b  and  56   b  that are recessed lower than the upper surface  58   b  to provide an area to mount the clips  32   a  and  32   b , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, when the clips  32   a  and  32   b  are secured to the housing  12 , the clips  32   a  and  32   b  may be approximately the same height as the upper surface  58   b  of the bridge member  26   b , thus providing a more uniform surface of the shaving razor cartridge  10 . The bridge member  26   b  may have a width “W 3 ” from a forward edge  62   b  to a rear edge  64   b  of about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm. The width W 3  of the bridge member  26   b  may allow for proper shaving geometry to minimize double engagement of hairs and prevent hair from being cut below the skin surface. In certain embodiments, the bridge member  26   b  may be 3 to 5 times wider than the width of the primary guard  14 . In certain embodiments, the bridge member  26  may have one or more notches  65   b ,  67   b  and  69   b  to provide clearance for various housing structures. For example, notches  65   b  and  69   b  may allow for clearance of the spring members  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76  and  78  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and notch  67   b  may provide for clearance of a central blade support  75  in the housing  12  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). Although in the view shown, only the notches  65   b ,  67   b  and  69   b  are illustrated, it is understood the other side of the bridge member  26   b  may have similar notches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3C , a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a bridge member  26   c  is shown. The bridge member  26   c  may be substituted for the bridge member  26  in the shaving cartridge  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, the bridge member  26   c  may be inserted into the housing  12 , as described for bridge member  26  in  FIG. 2 . The bridge member  26   c  may include a pair of legs  44   c  and  46   c  that have a respective top surface  54   c  and  56   c . The legs  44   c  and  46   c  may be interconnected by a plurality of spaced apart parallel ribs  27   c . The legs  44   c  and  46   c  may be separate components or they may be manufactured as a unitary component with the plurality of spaced apart parallel ribs  27   c . The plurality of spaced apart parallel ribs  27   c  may provide a primary cap surface  28   c  and a secondary guard surface  30   c . The ribs  27   c  may have an upper surface  58   c  between the primary cap surface  28   c  and a secondary guard surface  30   c.    
     The top surfaces  54   c  and  56   c  of the legs  44   c  and  46   c  may be recessed lower than the upper surface  58   c  to provide an area to mount the clips  32   a  and  32   b  of  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, when the clips  32   a  and  32   b  are secured to the housing  12 , the clips  32   a  and  32   b  may be approximately the same height as the upper surface  58   c  of the bridge member  26   c , thus providing a more uniform surface of the shaving razor cartridge  10 . The bridge member  26   c  may have a width “W 4 ”. The width “W 4 ” may be measured the same way as the width “W 2 ” shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3A . The width “W 4 ” may be measured as an overall width of the bridge member  26  (in a front to rear direction) measured at the plane P 2  tangent to the cuttings edges  22  and  24  (e.g., at bottom surface  34   a  and  34   b  of the clips  32   a  and  32   b . The width of the bridge member  26   c  may allow for proper shaving geometry to minimize double engagement of hairs and prevent hair from being cut below the skin surface. In certain embodiments, the bridge member  26   c  may be 3 to 5 times wider than a width of the primary guard  14 . The plurality of spaced apart parallel ribs  27   c  may define a rinse opening  29   c  there between to aid in the removal of cut hair and excess shave prep or soap. In certain embodiments, the bridge member  26  may have one or more notches  65   c ,  67   c  and  69   c  to provide clearance for various housing structures. For example, notches  65   c  and  69   c  may allow for clearance of the spring members  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76  and  78  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and notch  67   c  may provide for clearance of a central blade support  75  in the housing  12  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). Although in the view shown, only the notches  65   c ,  67   c  and  69   c  are illustrated, it is understood the other side of the bridge member  26   c  may have similar notches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , an assembly view of the shaving razor cartridge  10  is shown. The blades  18  and  20  may each be mounted on a pair of respective spring members  62 ,  64  and  66 ,  68  of the housing  12 . The bridge member  26  may be mounted on a plurality of spring members  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  79 . The notches  65   b ,  69   b    65   c  and  69   c  shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C  may allow for clearance of the spring members  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  79  so the bridge member  26  can be mounted at the proper height. In addition, the notches  67   b  and  67   c  shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C  may provide for clearance of a center blade support  75  of the housing  12 . The clips  32   a  and  32   b  may be mounted over the blades  18  and  20  and the bridge member  26  (e.g., top surfaces  54  and  56  of the legs  44  and  46  of the bridge member  26 ). Although bridge member  26  is shown, it is understood that bridge members  26   b  and  26   c  may alternatively be used. The clips  32   a  and  32   b  may then be secured to the housing  12 . The spring members  62 ,  64  and  66 ,  68  lift the blades  18  and  20  against the clips  32   a  and  32   b  (e.g., bottom surfaces  34   a  and  34   b  of the clips  32   a  and  32   b ). Similarly, the spring members  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  79  may lift the bridge member  26  against the clips  32   a  and  32   b . In certain embodiments, the bridge member  26  may move independent of the blades  18  and  20 , as well as the housing  12 , because the bridge member  26  is mounted on its own spring members  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  79 . The independent movement of the bridge member  26  may provide a more comfortable shave because it allows the bridge member to adjust to forces applied during a shaving stroke. In addition, the pair of legs  44  and  46  may improve stability of the bridge member  26 . In certain embodiments, the bridge member  26  may be supported by six spring members  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78  and  79  not just two spring members, as in the case of the blades  18  and  20 . Accordingly, the bridge member  26  may better distribute shaving loads. As previously explained, the bridge member  26  may be positioned below the top surface of the clips  33   a  and  33   b  and above the top surface  33   a  and  33   b  of the clips  32   a  and  32   b.    
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a schematic view of the shaving razor cartridge  10  of  FIG. 1  is shown. Another factor, which can influence drag forces associated with the blades, is the blade tangent angle or BTA. The shaving razor cartridge  10  may have a first shaving plane  80  tangent to the primary guard  14  and the primary cap surface  28 . The first shaving plane  80  may intersect a blade plane  82  of the first blade  18  (i.e., the cutting edge  22 ) at a first blade tangent angle β 1 . The shaving razor cartridge  10  may have a second shaving plane  84  tangent to the secondary guard surface  30  and the secondary cap  16 . The second shaving plane  84  may intersect a second blade plane  86  of the second blade  20  (i.e., the cutting edge  24 ) at a second blade tangent angle  132 . A lower blade tangent angle may result in a more comfortable shave for the shaving razor cartridge  10 . In certain embodiments, the first blade tangent angle β 1  may be about 15 degrees, for example 10 degrees to 25 degrees. It is not necessary for both blades  18  and  20  to have the same blade tangent angles. For example, the second blade tangent angle β 2  may be less than the blade tangent angle β 1  of the first blade  18 , for example about 10 degrees. 
     Combinations: 
     As example is below: 
     A. A shaving razor cartridge comprising: 
     a housing having a primary guard at a front of the housing, a secondary cap at a rear of the housing and at least one spring member positioned between the primary guard and the secondary cap; 
     a bridge member positioned between the primary guard and the secondary cap, the bridge member having a primary cap surface and a secondary guard surface; 
     a first blade having a cutting edge, the first blade mounted to at least one of the spring members between the primary guard and the primary cap surface; 
     a second blade having a cutting edge, the second blade mounted to at least one of the spring members between the secondary guard surface and the secondary cap, wherein the bridge member is mounted on a plurality of the spring members. 
     B. The shaving razor cartridge of Paragraph A wherein the first blade, the second blade and the bridge member are each independently mounted on separate spring members. 
     C. The shaving razor cartridge according to any of Paragraphs A or B wherein the bridge member comprises stainless steel, aluminum or copper. 
     D. The shaving razor cartridge according to any of Paragraphs A-C wherein the shaving razor cartridge comprises only two blades. 
     E. The shaving razor cartridge according to any one of Paragraphs A-D wherein the bridge member has a width from the primary cap surface to the secondary guard surface of 3 mm to 5 mm. 
     F. The shaving razor cartridge according to any one of Paragraphs A-E wherein an interblade span from the cutting edge of the first blade to the cutting edge of the second blade is greater than 3.0 mm and the bridge member has a width that is greater than 45% of an interblade span.
 
G. The shaving razor cartridge according to any one of Paragraphs A-F wherein an interblade span between the cutting edge of the first blade and the cutting edge of the second blade is greater than 2.50 mm.
 
H. The shaving razor cartridge according to any one of Paragraphs A-G further comprising at least one clip securing the blades and the bridge member to the housing.
 
I. The shaving razor cartridge of Paragraph H wherein an upper surface of the bridge member is positioned on a plane between a top surface of the at least one clip and a bottom surface and of the at least one clip.
 
J. The shaving razor cartridge according to any one of Paragraphs A-I wherein the first blade comprises a blade support member and the bridge member is spaced apart from both the first blade and the blade support member to define a rinse gap.
 
K. The shaving razor cartridge according to any one of Paragraphs A-J wherein the housing defines a plurality of blade slots configured to receive one of the blades or a portion of the bridge member.
 
L. The shaving razor cartridge of Paragraph K wherein the bridge member overlaps an open blade slot.
 
M. The shaving razor cartridge according to any one of Paragraphs A-L wherein the bridge member has an upper surface comprising an insignia.
 
N. The shaving razor cartridge according to any one of Paragraphs A-M wherein the bridge member has a pair of spaced apart legs that are interconnected by a plurality of spaced apart parallel ribs.
 
O. The shaving razor cartridge according to any one of Paragraphs A-N wherein the bridge member comprises a lubrication member.
 
     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” Furthermore, dimensions should not be held to an impossibly high standard of metaphysical identity that does not allow for discrepancies due to typical manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, the term “about” should be interpreted as being within typical manufacturing tolerances. 
     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.