Patent Description:
Shaving heads or 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). A skin care element is also often provided at the trailing longitudinal side. 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 shaving plane. The shaving plane may be approximated as a line between the highest points on the skin-contacting surfaces of a shaving head - for example, the flat plane between the top of a guard and the top of a cap of the shaving head. Movement of the razor handle causes the blades of the shaving head to be moved across the shaving plane in the shaving direction, enabling the blades to remove unwanted hair. For example, documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose razor cartridges including actuation member(s) configured to retract one of more cutting members relative to the shaving plane, in response to a pressure exerted on the actuator member.

The objective of the present disclosure is to improve the performance of a shaving head.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a shaving head comprising a frame and one or more cutting members arranged between a leading longitudinal side and a trailing longitudinal side of the frame. One or more of the cutting members are movable in a direction orthogonal to a shaving plane. The shaving head further comprises an actuator member, which is configured to retract one or more cutting members relative to the shaving plane in response to a pressure exerted on the actuator member. The actuator member comprises a pressure sensor element. The actuator member comprises one or more cantilever elements, which are configured to transmit a force from the pressure sensor element to one or more of the cutting members. The one or more cantilever elements comprise side extensions and, in particular, the one or more cantilever elements are secured to the frame by or with the side extensions of the cantilever element.

The pressure sensor element may comprise one or more comb teeth. The pressure sensor element or one or more of the comb teeth may extend above the shaving plane in an "at-rest" condition without any force acting on the actuator member. One or more of the comb teeth may extend about <NUM> to about <NUM>, in particular about <NUM> to about <NUM>, more particularly about <NUM> to about <NUM> above the shaving plane. The pressure sensor element or one or more of the comb teeth may substantially be at the same level with the shaving plane in an "at-rest" condition without any force acting on the actuator member.

The pressure sensor element of the actuator member may be elastically supported in the shaving head. The pressure sensor element may be a longitudinal element having a continuous geometry in the longitudinal direction or may comprise a comb-like geometry in the longitudinal direction. The pressure sensor element may be a non-cutting element or be one of the one or more cutting members. The pressure sensor element may be arranged between the leading longitudinal side of the frame and one or more of the cutting members, in particular between the leading longitudinal side of the frame and the leading cutting member. The pressure sensor element may be arranged between the trailing longitudinal side of the frame and one or more of the cutting members, in particular between the trailing longitudinal side of the frame and the trailing cutting member. The pressure sensor element may be configured to generate a force for decreasing the exposure of one or more of the cutting members. The shaving head may comprise two or more pressure sensor elements.

The one or more cantilever elements may be connected to the pressure sensor element. One or more of the cutting members may comprises a blade and a blade support, wherein one or more cantilever elements contact the blades and/or the blade supports. One or more of the cutting members may comprises one or more apertures, wherein at least one of the cantilever elements extends through at least one of the apertures. The one or more apertures of a cutting member may be in the blade support of the cutting member.

One or more of the cantilever elements may be connected to one or more of the cutting members. One or more of the cantilever elements may be connected to the frame. One or more cantilever elements may be connected to the frame at a position proximate to the leading longitudinal side of the frame or at a position proximate to the trailing longitudinal side of the frame. One or more cantilever elements may be connected proximate to the trailing longitudinal side of the frame and one or more pressure sensor elements may be positioned proximate to the leading longitudinal side of the frame. Alternatively, one or more cantilever elements may be connected proximate to the leading longitudinal side of the frame and one or more pressure sensor elements may be positioned proximate to the trailing longitudinal side of the frame.

One or more cantilever elements may elastically support the pressure sensor element in the shaving head. One or more of the cutting members may be retained by one or more cantilever elements. The side extensions of the one or more cantilever elements may be secured by clips or retainers to the frame. The side extensions of the one or more cantilever elements itself may function as clips or retainers for securing the actuator member to the frame. The cantilever element may function as blade retainer, securing the blades in the housing.

The actuator member may comprise aluminum, in particular one or more of the cantilever elements may comprise aluminum.

The actuator member may be configured to produce progressively increasing or progressively decreasing exposures of the cutting edges of a plurality of cutting members. The actuator member may be configured to bend one or more of the cutting members.

The actuator member may comprise an elastic material, in particular a metallic and/or a polymeric and/or composite material.

The shaving head may comprise a plurality of actuator members.

One or more of the cutting members may be positioned in a blade receiving section of the frame. One or more of the cutting members may be positioned on resilient fingers. One or more of the cutting members may be retained by retainers. One or more of the cutting members may comprise a blade only or a blade and a blade support.

In a second aspect, which is not covered by the claimed invention, the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a shaving head comprising, in any order, one or more of the following steps. Obtaining a frame, one or more cutting members and an actuator member. Disposing the one or more cutting members between a leading longitudinal side and a trailing longitudinal side of the frame such that one or more of the cutting members are movable in a direction orthogonal to a shaving plane. Disposing an actuator member in the frame such that it is configured to retract one or more cutting members relative to the shaving plane in response to a pressure exerted on the actuator member. The actuator member may comprise a pressure sensor element and a cantilever element.

In a third aspect, which is not covered by the claimed invention, the present disclosure relates to a shaving razor assembly comprising a razor handle and a shaving head in accordance with any of the embodiments summarized above. The shaving head may 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.

In a fourth aspect, which is not covered by the claimed invention, the present disclosure relates to a kit of parts comprising a razor handle a shaving head holder comprising a plurality of shaving heads according to any of the embodiments summarized above.

Additional details and features of the disclosure are described with reference to the following figures in which:.

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of the present disclosure. The terms or words used in the description and the claims of the present disclosure are not to be construed limitedly as only having common-language or dictionary meanings and should, unless specifically defined otherwise in the following description, be interpreted as having their ordinary technical meaning as established in the relevant technical field. The detailed description will refer to specific embodiments to better illustrate the present disclosure, however, it should be understood that the presented disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a shaving razor assembly <NUM>. The shaving razor assembly is only shown for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting the present disclosure. The shaving razor assembly <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM> with a proximal portion <NUM> and a distal portion <NUM>. A shaving head or razor cartridge <NUM> is mounted at the distal portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. The shaving head <NUM> comprises a frame and cutting members and will be presented in more detail following discussion of the shaving razor assembly <NUM>. The mounting of the shaving head <NUM> to the distal portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM> in the illustration is via a pivotable bearing member <NUM> enabling a frame of reference of the handle <NUM> to vary relative to a frame of reference of the shaving head <NUM>, 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 shaving head <NUM> pivots relative to the handle <NUM> about the longitudinal axis L of the shaving head <NUM>, in use. The pivoting enables the user to adapt to contours of the body, for example. The longitudinal axis L of the shaving head <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the shaving direction along the handle <NUM>. Another example of a connection mechanism for connecting the shaving head <NUM> to the handle <NUM> is discussed in <CIT>. Another alternative is a shaving head <NUM> that may pivot relative to a second pivot axis (a rocking axis), substantially perpendicular to axis L. In examples, the pivotable bearing member <NUM> may be omitted (not illustrated) and the handle <NUM> provided as an integrally connected part of the support of the shaving head <NUM>. In an example, the pivotable bearing member <NUM> may further comprise, or be replaced by, a release mechanism 5a, 5b, enabling rapid release of an exhausted razor cartridge from the handle <NUM>. In an example, the handle <NUM> and the support of the shaving head <NUM> are integrally formed with a pivotable bearing member (not illustrated) such as a plastic spring member. In an example, the handle <NUM> is provided with a handle grip formed of a rubber, or rubber-like material to improve gripping friction.

<FIG> show details of an exemplary shaving head <NUM>, which is not intended to limit the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective partial exploded view of a shaving head <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic cutaway side view of a razor cartridge taken from the embodiment of <FIG> along transverse axis P-Q illustrated by the dotted line in <FIG>. "Partial exploded view" means that some minor components of the shaving head <NUM> have been omitted from the exploded view to aid clarity of the drawing.

The shaving direction S is depicted in <FIG>-b using arrow S. In use, the shaving head <NUM> contacts a shaving plane SH (not shown in <FIG>-b), and is translated across the shaving plane SH in the direction of arrow S. The shaving plane may be approximated as a line between the highest points on the skin-contacting surfaces of a shaving head - for example, the flat plane between the top of a guard and the top of a cap of the shaving head. Movement of the razor handle causes the blades of the shaving head to be moved across the shaving plane in the shaving direction, enabling the blades to remove unwanted hair.

The shaving head comprises a frame <NUM>, which may be fabricated partially or completely of synthetic materials, such as plastic, resin, or elastomers. The frame <NUM> may comprise a platform member connectable to a handle <NUM> of a shaving razor assembly <NUM> either integrally, or by a connection mechanism such as a pivotable bearing member <NUM> or by an interconnecting member (not shown). The frame is configured to house the cutting members and may comprise additional elements, such as retainers, guard members or the like.

The shaving head may also comprise a guard member <NUM>, which may be provided as a substantially longitudinal edge of the shaving head <NUM>. The guard member <NUM> may be a separate part attached to the frame or it may be a portion of the frame. In use, the guard member <NUM> is the first portion of the shaving head <NUM> to contact uncut hairs, and it is thus located at a leading longitudinal side <NUM> of the shaving head <NUM>. The side of the shaving head <NUM> opposite to the leading longitudinal side of the shaving head <NUM> and opposite to the shaving direction is the trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the shaving head <NUM>. The trailing longitudinal side <NUM> is thus the final portion of the shaving head <NUM> to contact the shaving plane SH, in use. It will be noted that the terms "leading longitudinal side <NUM>" and "trailing longitudinal side <NUM>" are used to denote specific locations on the shaving head <NUM>, and do not imply or require the absence or presence of a particular feature. For example, a guard member <NUM> may in one example be located at the "leading longitudinal side <NUM>", and in another example a trimming blade (not shown in <FIG>) may be located at the "trailing longitudinal side <NUM>" in another example, but it is not essential that these locations comprise such features.

The guard member <NUM>, in an example, comprises an elastomeric member (not shown in <FIG>). In an example, the elastomeric layer comprises one or more fins extending longitudinally in parallel to the guard member <NUM> 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 shaving head <NUM> may, in embodiments, further comprise a cap member at, or near to, the trailing longitudinal side <NUM> but this is not illustrated in the embodiment of <FIG> as an aid to clarity.

The shaving head <NUM> further comprises one or more cutting members, in particular a group of cutting members <NUM> accommodated in a blade receiving section <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The group of cutting members <NUM> comprises a plurality of cutting members 28a-d. The group of cutting members <NUM> may be disposed in the frame <NUM> longitudinally and parallel to the shaving direction SH such that in use, blades of the cutting members 28a-d contact a shaving plane SH and cut hair present on the shaving plane SH as the shaving head <NUM> is moved across the shaving plane SH in the shaving direction S. The particular design of the group cutting members <NUM> will be discussed in detail subsequently but is not intended to be limiting. In an example, a razor cartridge is provided with three cutting members. In an example, a razor cartridge is provided with four cutting members. In an example, a razor cartridge is provided with five cutting members. In an example, a razor cartridge is provided with six cutting members. In an example, a razor cartridge is provided with seven or more cutting members.

The frame <NUM> may further comprise first retainer <NUM> and second retainer <NUM> configured to hold the razor blades within shaving head <NUM> housing. Such retainers, however, may not be necessary and the blades may be secured in position by other means (e.g., the actuator member as discussed below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>). The frame <NUM> further comprises first <NUM> and second <NUM> side portions. When the shaving head <NUM> is in an assembled state, the first and second side portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to fixedly confine the longitudinal ends of the guard member <NUM>, a cap member <NUM> (if present, not shown in <FIG>) and the group of cutting members <NUM>. The first side retainer <NUM> and second retainer <NUM> may comprise, for example, plastic, an elastomer, or a metal material and furthermore may be of a different shape to that illustrated.

Although not illustrated, a pivotable bearing member may, in an example be provided on the side of the shaving head <NUM> configured to connect to a pivotable handle <NUM>. Such a pivotable bearing member, in an example, comprises two or more shell bearings configured to connect to the pivotable bearing member of the handle <NUM>.

Each cutting member 28a-d in the group of cutting members <NUM> may comprises a longitudinal blade support 32a-d. A longitudinal blade is mounted on the blade support 32a-d. The cutting edge 30a-d of a cutting member 28a-d is oriented forward in the direction of shaving S. The blade support 32a-d of a cutting member 28a-d may be an elongated, bent piece of rigid material. In an example, the blade support <NUM> is a metal such as austenitic stainless steel.

The present disclosure is not limited to a specific shape or design of one or more cutting members. To the contrary, the concept of the present disclosure is applicable for all kinds of cutting members. Examples of cutting members are shown <FIG>. On the left of <FIG>, a cutting member <NUM> comprises a blade support <NUM> and a blade <NUM> having a cutting edge <NUM>. The blade support <NUM> is shown es being a bent blade support but this is not intended to be limiting. The blade support could also be a straight blade support. The blade <NUM> of this example is shown to be positioned on a top surface of the blade support <NUM>. As can be seen in the middle of <FIG>, the blade <NUM> can also be positioned on a bottom surface of the blade support <NUM>. The example on the right of <FIG> shows a cutting member which does not comprise a blade support <NUM>. A cutting member without a blade support <NUM> may be bent or straight. Any of the components of a cutting member may be an integral element or assembled from pieces. For example, a blade may be a single piece of a metal, which is bent or unbent. In embodiments comprising a blade and a blade support, the blade may be attached to the blade support in any manner. For example, the blade can be attached to the blade support by welding, brazing, soldering, gluing or any other technique. A group of cutting members <NUM> may comprise different cutting members <NUM>, e.g., one or more cutting members <NUM> comprising a blade support <NUM> and one or more cutting members <NUM> without a blade support <NUM>.

Each cutting member in the group of cutting members <NUM> is, in an example, resiliently mounted in a blade receiving section <NUM> of the shaving head <NUM>. The blade receiving section <NUM> comprises a longitudinal space in the shaving head <NUM> that is sized to accommodate the group of cutting members <NUM>. At least one cutting member of the group of cutting members <NUM>, up to all cutting members in the group of cutting members <NUM> may be resiliently mounted in the blade receiving section <NUM>. In the illustrated example of <FIG>-b, the transverse inner sides of frame <NUM> comprise a plurality of holding slots 34a-d. Each holding slot 34a-d on the transverse inner sides is configured to accept and retain one side of a blade support 32a-d of a cutting member 28a-d of the group of cutting members <NUM> so that the cutting members of the group of cutting members <NUM> are held in the blade receiving section <NUM> with a substantially parallel inter-blade span. Therefore, as many holding slots 34a-d may be provided in each transverse inner side of frame <NUM> as there are blade support members.

Between the blade receiving section <NUM> and the handle (in a part adjacent to a handle <NUM> connection, for example) there may, in examples, provided one or more cross members <NUM> that may be integrally formed with the frame <NUM>. The cross members <NUM> may comprise a plurality of blade support guides <NUM> provided as a plurality of protuberances aligned with the holding slot <NUM> on the transverse inner sides of the frame <NUM>. The blade support guides may function to regulate the parallel inter-blade span in a longitudinal direction. The inter-blade span IBS or spacing between the blade supports <NUM> may be the same or variable.

The shaving head <NUM> of <FIG>-b may comprise resilient fingers 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d, for example under the first retainer <NUM>. The shaving head <NUM> may comprise resilient fingers under the second retainer <NUM> that are in transverse corresponding alignment with resilient fingers 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d under the first retainer <NUM>. The resilient fingers each may exert a bias force against respective cutting members of the group of cutting members <NUM> in the direction of the shaving plane SH such that the cutting members of the group of cutting members <NUM> are in a rest position, when assembled. In the rest position, the cutting edges <NUM> of the blades <NUM>, at each lateral end of the blades <NUM> near the first <NUM> and second <NUM> retainers, bear against corresponding stop portions, for example. In an example, the stop portions may be the first <NUM> and second <NUM> retainer. Accordingly, the rest position of the cutting members 28a-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 <NUM>. 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 <NUM> to be provided is related to the number of cutting members 28a-d in the group of cutting members <NUM>, and that fewer or more than eight resilient fingers <NUM> can be provided. Each of the cutting members <NUM> may comprise a blade support <NUM> and a blade <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrates a longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM> that may, in some examples, be included as part of a shaving head <NUM> but is not essential. In particular, the longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM>, in examples, comprises a longitudinal skin care element <NUM> (e.g. a lubricating strip) for applying a compound, such as a lubricating compound, to the shaving plane after the cutting edges <NUM> of the blades have passed over the shaving plane.

The longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM>, in examples, comprises a longitudinal trimming blade <NUM> disposed on the trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the shaving head <NUM>. The trimming blade <NUM> may, for example, be used for trimming hairs that are awkward to reach using the blades <NUM> of the group of cutting members <NUM>, such as extraneous nasal hairs. In an example, the trimming blade <NUM> only extends across a proportion of the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM>, such as up to three quarters, up to one half, or up to one quarter. As illustrated, the trimming blade <NUM> is mounted on a trimming blade support <NUM>. The assembly of the trimming blade <NUM> mounted on a trimming blade support <NUM> is, in an example, identical to the design of the blade receiving section <NUM>, blade support <NUM>, and blade <NUM> comprised in the group of cutting members <NUM> to reduce parts variation. Alternatively, the trimming blade <NUM> and trimming blade support <NUM> are produced to a different design to the design of the blade receiving section <NUM>, blade support <NUM>, and blade <NUM> comprised in the group of cutting members <NUM>. For the purposes of this specification, the trimming blade <NUM> is not comprised within the group of cutting members <NUM> intended to contact the shaving plane. In an example, the longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM> comprises a retractable cover <NUM> as a safety feature, and to keep the trimming blade <NUM> sharp when not in use.

In common with the frame <NUM> of the razor, the longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM> and/or the retractable cover <NUM> may be provided as a plastic or resin material. In an example the longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM> is formed integrally with the frame <NUM>. In an example, the longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM> is glued or ultrasonically welded to the frame <NUM>, for example. In an example, a razor cartridge <NUM> is provided without a longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM> such that the trailing edge of the frame <NUM> in the shaving direction is the trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the shaving head <NUM>. In an embodiment where the shaving head <NUM> comprises the longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM>, the trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the longitudinal trailing assembly <NUM> in the shaving direction is considered to be the trailing edge of the frame <NUM> in the shaving direction.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the holding slots <NUM> provided in the first <NUM> and second <NUM> retainer for holding the group of cutting members <NUM>. The plurality of blade support guides <NUM> and the plurality of resilient fingers <NUM> shown in <FIG> is not shown in the projection of <FIG> to aid clarity. <FIG> illustrates a progressively increasing span in the longitudinal direction between the succession of holding slots <NUM> for holding the group of cutting members <NUM> provided in the first <NUM> and second <NUM> side portions, in the direction from the leading longitudinal side <NUM> to the trailing longitudinal side <NUM>. The inter blade span between any or all of the blades can also be the same.

Of course, the provision of a succession of holding slots <NUM> in the first <NUM> and second <NUM> retainers to support the cutting members of the group of cutting members <NUM> is not essential. The group of cutting members <NUM> could also be supported using a plurality of blade support guides <NUM> (protuberances) positioned on one or more cross members <NUM>, for example, where the plurality of blade support guides <NUM> provide a progressively increasing inter-blade span in the longitudinal direction from the leading longitudinal side <NUM> to the trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the shaving head <NUM>. In an example, a plurality of blade support guides <NUM> and a succession of holding slots <NUM> may be used in combination to provide progressively increasing span in the longitudinal direction between the leading and the trailing side of the razor cartridge.

For each of the embodiments described herein, the blade support <NUM> and blade <NUM> can be integral or assembled together. A blade may be mounted on the outer surface of a blade support, such that in use, no part of the blade support comes into contact with shaving plane SH. Alternatively, a blade <NUM> may be mounted on an inner surface of the respective blade support and projects from underneath the inner surface. In such embodiments, the cutting edge of the blade <NUM> and the end of the blade support <NUM> may contact the skin during shaving simultaneously, leading to a reduction in the force exerted on the shaving plane SH exerted by a single cutting edge, for example. In embodiments with a plurality of cutting members, some of the cutting members may comprise a blade mounted on the outer surface of a blade support and some of the cutting members may comprise a blade mounted on the inner surface of a blade support.

The blade <NUM> may have, in its flat portion, a thickness T1 about <NUM> (for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>). The total length L2 of the blade <NUM> between the cutting edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM> and the opposite back edge of the blade <NUM> is about <NUM> (for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>). The portion of the blade <NUM> that is in contact with the inner surface <NUM> of a blade support that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane SH has a length L1 that is about <NUM> to <NUM> long. In this way, a good retention of the blade on the underside of the blade support <NUM> (the inner surface of the blade support <NUM>) is ensured.

In an example, the height of the cutting member <NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, particularly <NUM>. In an example, the front end of the blade support is rounded or chamfered to improve glideness properties of the cutting member.

In an example, the blade <NUM> may be positioned on the inner surface <NUM> of the blade support <NUM> to adjust the exposure E of the cutting edge <NUM> positively or negatively compared to the shaving plane SH. The exposure is a measure of how prominently the cutting edge <NUM> of a blade protrudes above or sinks below the shaving plane. In an example, the blade <NUM> may be positioned to have an exposure relative to the shaving plane SH in the range -<NUM> to +<NUM>, specifically an exposure of about -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, - <NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

The length L3 of the cutting member <NUM>, between the cutting edge <NUM> and the outer face of the lower portion of the blade support <NUM> is about <NUM> (for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>).

The blade <NUM> may be fixed on the inner surface <NUM> of the blade support by any known means, such as by laser spot welding. In examples, the blade <NUM> is fixed on the inner surface <NUM> 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 <NUM>. Each of the spot welds may be performed on the inner face <NUM> of blade <NUM>. Alternatively, each of the spot welds may be carried out on the outer surface of the blade support <NUM>, or a mixture of the two. For more details of a cutting member comprising a bent blade support with a blade mounted on the inner surface of the blade support, reference is made to co-pending European Application <CIT>). <CIT> describes especially with respect to <FIG> a possible bent-blade design in detail and which may be used in conjunction with the present disclosure.

<FIG> show a shaving head in accordance with the present disclosure. <FIG> shows a shaving head comprising an actuator member <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure without a force acting on the actuator member <NUM>. <FIG> shows the shaving head of <FIG>, wherein a force acts on the actuator member <NUM>, which results in a retraction of one or more cutting members. <FIG> shows an isometric view of an example shaving head. <FIG>-b shows an isometric view and a top view of an example actuator member.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the shaving head comprises a frame and one or more cutting members arranged between a leading longitudinal side and a trailing longitudinal side of the frame. The arrangement can be as discussed above for <FIG>, which, however, is not intended to be limiting. The one or more of the cutting members shown each comprise a blade support 32a-d and a blade 33a-d. As discussed above, the blade support 32a-d and blade 33a-d may be joined together or may be an integral part. The cutting members do not require any dedicated blade support and blade and what matters is only that one or more cutting member are provided. The one or more cutting members are movable in a direction orthogonal to a shaving plane. As discussed above, the shaving plane may be approximated as a line between the highest points on the skin-contacting surfaces of a shaving head - for example, the flat plane between the top of a guard and the top of a cap of the shaving head. Movement of the razor handle causes the blades of the shaving head to be moved across the shaving plane in the shaving direction, enabling the blades to remove unwanted hair. In the following, the shaving plane is generally defined by elements, which are not movable in an upward/downward direction as this would result in a moving shaving plane. For example, the pressure sensor element <NUM> of the actuator member <NUM>, which will be described in the following, may be defined in relation to the shaving plane, but it does itself not define a fix point for the shaving plane.

The actuator member <NUM> may be coated with antifriction materials to improve shaving performance. In addition, or, alternatively, the actuator member <NUM> may be colored to enhance product aesthetics. In any of the embodiments described herein, the actuator member <NUM> may be non-permanently attached to the guard. The actuator member may also be a detachable component.

In accordance with the present disclosure, <FIG> shows that the shaving head comprises an actuator member <NUM>. The actuator member <NUM> in general is configured to retract one or more cutting members relative to the shaving plane in response to a pressure exerted on the actuator member. The actuator member may retract one or more of the cutting members into the frame in response to a pressure exerted on the actuator member. The actuator member <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises a pressure sensor element <NUM>, which (mechanically) senses any uneven surfaces of the skin (such as bumps, wrinkles, liver spots, pimples, etc.). As may be best seen in <FIG>, the pressure sensor element <NUM> may comprise one or more comb teeth <NUM>, which are configured to contact the skin. The pressure sensor element <NUM> or the one or more comb teeth 611may extend above the shaving plane in an "at-rest" condition without any force acting on the actuator member. For example, the pressure sensor element <NUM> or one or more of the comb teeth <NUM> may extend about <NUM> to about <NUM> above the shaving plane. In an example, the pressure sensor element <NUM> or one or more of the comb teeth <NUM> may extend about <NUM> to about <NUM> above the shaving plane. In an example, the pressure sensor element <NUM> or one or more of the comb teeth <NUM> may extend about <NUM> to about <NUM> above the shaving plane.

The pressure sensor element <NUM> or the one or more comb teeth <NUM> may also be substantially at the same level with the shaving plane or even be slightly below the shaving plane. In such embodiments, the original exposures of the one or more cutting members are not or only minimally affected by the pressure sensor element or the one or more comb teeth when used on a smooth skin surface. The pressure sensor element or the one or more comb teeth are only "activated" by skin anomalies and adjust the exposure of the one or more cutting members.

Preferably, the pressure sensor element <NUM> of the actuator member <NUM> is elastically supported in the shaving head. The pressure sensor element <NUM> may therefore be connected to any portion of the frame or to any element arranged on or within the frame (for example, the pressure sensor may be connected or coupled to one or more cutting members).

The pressure sensor element <NUM> may be a longitudinal element having a continuous geometry in the longitudinal direction or may comprise a comb-like geometry in the longitudinal direction. A comb-like geometry is for example shown in <FIG> but not intended to be limiting. A comb-like geometry for the pressure sensor element <NUM> may align and direct hair to be cut towards the one or more cutting members. In other words, a comb-like pressure sensor element <NUM> may prepare and sort hair prior to the hair being cut.

The pressure sensor element <NUM> may be a non-cutting element. The pressure sensor element <NUM> may alternatively be a cutting element, for example one of the one or more cutting members.

The pressure sensor element <NUM> may be arranged at different positions. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the pressure sensor element <NUM> is arranged between the leading longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame and the leading cutting member 28a. It may also be arranged between the leading longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame and one of the following cutting members 28b, 28c, 28d. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the pressure sensor element <NUM> is arranged between the trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame and the trailing cutting member 28e. It may also be arranged between the trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame and one of the preceding cutting members 28d, 28c, 28b.

The pressure sensor element <NUM> is configured to generate a force for decreasing the exposure of one or more of the cutting members. A shaving head may comprise any number of pressure sensor elements <NUM>, for example three, four, five, six, seven, or eight.

The actuator member <NUM> may comprise one or more cantilever elements <NUM>, which is configured to transmit a force from the pressure sensor element <NUM> to one or more of the cutting members. The cantilever element <NUM> may therefore be indirectly or directly connected to the pressure sensor element <NUM>. The actuator member <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG> comprises a cantilever element <NUM>, which may be best seen in <FIG>. Shown in <FIG> is an actuator member <NUM> with a rectangular shape and comprising a pressure sensor element <NUM> and two cantilever elements <NUM> extending from it. The two cantilever elements are connected to each other at a rear side of the actuator member <NUM> (thus forming a rectangular shape) but a connection at the rear end is not necessary (see <FIG>). The pressure sensor element <NUM> may be positioned at a leading longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame (see <FIG>) or at a trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame (see <FIG>). The cantilever elements <NUM> are shown to extend from the ends of the pressure sensor element <NUM> in an orthogonal manner but this is not intended to be limiting. The cantilever elements <NUM> could also extend in any angle from the pressure sensor element <NUM>. The cantilever element <NUM> may have any shape and dimension. Shown are two cantilever elements but there may be just one cantilever element or more than two cantilever elements. The cantilever elements may be arranged in any suitable manner and extend from any portion of the pressure sensor element. The one or more cantilever elements may extend from ends of the pressure sensor element (as shown e. g in <FIG>) or from any portion along the length of the pressure sensor element (as shown e.g. in <FIG>).

At least one of the cantilever elements <NUM> is configured to contact one or more of the cutting members. The cantilever element <NUM> may only be configured to contact the one or more cutting members or may be (indirectly or directly) connected to one or more cutting members. A cantilever element <NUM> may also be (indirectly or directly) connected to one (or more) of the cutting members and only configured to contact one or more cutting members without being connected to these. A cantilever element may also only specifically connect/contact one or more of a plurality of cutting members. A cantilever element may for example only connect/contact two adjacent cutting members or e.g. only ever second cutting member. In an example, a cantilever member is fixedly attached to a trailing cutting member but only touches or contacts the other cutting members. The cantilever element <NUM> may be configured to contact or connect to a cutting member at any position. The cantilever element <NUM> may be configured to contact or connect to one or more blades 33a-d (see for example <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). In addition, or alternatively, the cantilever element <NUM> may be configured to contact or connect to one or more blade supports 32a-e (see <FIG>). One or more of the cutting members may comprise one or more apertures <NUM> and the cantilever element <NUM> may extend through at least one of the apertures <NUM>. The one or more apertures <NUM> of a cutting member may be in the blade support 32a-e of the cutting member (as shown in <FIG>). The apertures <NUM>, however, may also be in the blades 33a-d.

One or more cantilever element <NUM> may in addition or alternatively indirectly transmit a force from the pressure sensor element <NUM> to one or more of the cutting members 28a-d, i.e. without directly contacting or connecting to the cutting members 28a-d. For example, in embodiments in which the cutting members 28a-d are positioned on resilient fingers 38a-d (see e.g. <FIG>), the cantilever element <NUM> may contact or connect to the resilient fingers 38a-d in order to retract one or more cutting members.

One or more cantilever elements <NUM> may be connected to the frame. Such a connection, however, is not required and the cantilever elements <NUM> may for example be only secured to one or more of the cutting members (e.g. a trailing cutting member). One or more cantilever elements <NUM> may be connected to the frame at a position proximate to the leading longitudinal side of the frame or at a position proximate to the trailing longitudinal side of the frame. A connection of side portions of the cantilever elements <NUM> to the frame is also possible.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the cantilever element <NUM> is connected proximate a trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame and the pressure sensor element <NUM>, to which the cantilever element <NUM> is connected to, is positioned proximate the leading longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame. In other embodiments (see e.g. <FIG>), the arrangement is the opposite, i.e. the one or more cantilever elements <NUM> may be connected proximate to the leading longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame and one or more pressure sensor elements may be positioned proximate to the trailing longitudinal <NUM> side of the frame. In any of the examples disclosed herein, one or more cantilever elements may elastically support the pressure sensor element in the shaving head.

<FIG> shows the actuator member <NUM> in an "at rest" condition, i.e. without any force or load acting on it. The cantilever element <NUM> is shown as being straight, although this configuration is not intended to be limiting. The cantilever element <NUM> in this example contacts the blades 33a-d at their top or cutting surfaces. As can be seen, the one or more cutting members are more or less in the same plane as indicated by the dashed lines. In the "at-rest" condition, however, one or more cutting members may already have a different exposure relative to the shaving plane. For example, the one or more cutting members may have progressively increasing (or decreasing) exposures of the blades from one longitudinal side of the frame to the other, which is more pronounced after "activation" of the actuator element as further described below. In the "at rest" condition, the actuator member <NUM> may already be slightly pre-tensioned, in particular the cantilever element <NUM> may already exert a force on the one or more cutting members. Such a pre-tensioning may accelerate a response of the pressure sensing element <NUM> on the one or more cutting members, i.e., the retraction of the one or more cutting members relative to the shaving plane may than occur faster.

<FIG> shows the actuator member with a force acting on it. The cantilever element <NUM> is shown slightly bended because a pressure is exerted on the pressure sensor element <NUM>. A bump on the skin or any other uneven surface of the skin may push the pressure sensor element <NUM> downwards into the frame, thereby bending the cantilever element <NUM>. The cantilever element <NUM> in turn pushes one or more of the cutting members <NUM> downwards into the frame, i.e. retracts the cutting members <NUM>. As can be seen, the exposure of the one or more cutting members <NUM> relative to the shaving plane progressively increases from the leading side end <NUM> to the trailing side end <NUM>. The curvature of bending of the cantilever element <NUM> may cause the cutting members <NUM> to be pushed downwardly in a progressive manner. For example, and as shown in <FIG>, the blade 33a of the first cutting member 28a is retracted relative to the shaving plane more than blade 33b, which itself is more retracted than blade 33c. Blade 33d is the blade which is least retracted relative to the shaving plane. The dashed line shows the bottom ends of the cutting members <NUM> in the at-rest condition. By decreasing the exposure of one or more cutting members <NUM>, skin irritations may be reduced. The amount of retraction of a cutting member <NUM> relative to the shaving plane depends on and can be adjusted by the material properties of the cantilever member <NUM>, the shape of the cantilever member <NUM> (prior, during and after bending), the manner how a force is transmitted from the pressure sensor element <NUM> to the cantilever element <NUM> and the arrangement of the cantilever element <NUM> with respect to the pressure sensor element <NUM>. The amount of retraction of a cutting member <NUM> relative to a shaving plane also depends on and can be adjusted by the manner of attachment of the cantilever element <NUM> to the frame and/or cutting members <NUM>. The amount and dynamic of a retraction of a cutting member <NUM> may also be defined by a surface, along which the pressure sensor element <NUM> (or any other portion of the actuator member <NUM> such as the cantilever element <NUM> itself) is to configured to slide along. For example, the pressure sensor element <NUM> may be configured to slide along a curved surface of the frame, thereby progressively changing the force transmitted from the pressure sensor element <NUM> to the cantilever element <NUM> (and ultimately to one or more cutting members). A stop may also be provided to limit the amount of movement of the pressure-sensing element <NUM>. A stop may in addition or alternatively be provided to limit the amount a cantilever element <NUM> may move or flex.

An actuator member <NUM> does not necessarily have to be configured to push a cutting member <NUM> downwards along its entire length such that the cutting edge of the cutting member <NUM> remains substantially parallel to a shaving plane. Instead, an actuator member <NUM> may be configured to only push a portion of the cutting member <NUM> downwards, e.g., a portion of the cutting member facing towards the right or left side of the shaving head. In other words, the cutting member may be pushed downwards in an angled manner, i.e., its cutting edge is no longer parallel to the shaving plane when pushed downwardly. The pressure sensor element <NUM> of the actuator member <NUM> may only "sense" a skin anomaly on one side of the shaving head, which results in the cantilever element <NUM> pushing one or more cutting member(s) <NUM> only on that side downwards, whereas the orientation of the cutting member(s) <NUM> is not affected on the opposite side. For that purpose, two or more cantilever elements <NUM> may be provided, which are configured to actuate a respective portion of one or more cutting members. <FIG> shows schematic longitudinal cross-sections through a portion of a shaving head. The top panel shows a cutting member <NUM> in an "at-rest" condition, in which the cutting edge is substantially parallel to a shaving plane. In the middle panel, it is schematically shown that a pressure exerted only on a side of the actuator member (not shown) results in the cutting member <NUM> being only pushed downwards on that side. The pressure is indicated by the downward pointing arrow. In the bottom panel, it is schematically shown that a pressure exerted on the other side results in the cutting member <NUM> being only retracted on that side. In the schematic examples shown, the cutting member is mounted on elastic fingers <NUM>, which, however, are not an essential element of the disclosure.

As discussed above, the blade <NUM> of a cutting member may (in an "at rest" condition) be positioned to have an exposure relative to the shaving plane SH in the range -<NUM> to +<NUM>, specifically an exposure of about -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, - <NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, -<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

The exposures of the one or more cutting members in the "at rest" condition may be the same or different. For example, the one or more cutting members may in the "at rest" condition already have different exposures, e.g. a progressively increasing exposure from a leading end to a trailing end of the frame. An increasing exposure may be less skin irritating and hair may be cut in steps. The "at rest" exposures may be altered by the actuator member in response to a pressure exerting on it. For example, the progressively increasing "at rest" exposures of the cutting members may be more pronounced upon activation of the actuator member.

The actuator member <NUM> may be configured to retract one or more of the cutting members or change the exposure of one or more of the cutting members by for example <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> relative to the shaving plane.

The actuator member <NUM> may be configured to retract one or more (or all) of the cutting members by substantially the same amount. The actuator member <NUM> may be configured to retract one or more of the cutting members by different amounts. The actuator member may be configured to produce progressively increasing or progressively decreasing exposures of the cutting edges of a plurality of cutting members (seen e.g. from a leading longitudinal side to a trailing longitudinal side of the frame).

In addition, or alternatively to decreasing the exposure of one or more of the cutting members e.g. by a retraction relative to the shaving plane, the actuator member may be configured to bend one or more of the cutting members. A bending of one or more cutting members may also reduce skin irritations. The actuator member may bend a cutting member in addition or alternatively to retracting a cutting member. The bending of a cutting member may occur in any direction. For example, the bending of the cutting member may result in the blade of a cutting member assuming another angle with respect to a shaving plane. In the bended configuration, the blade may then cause less skin irritations because of the different angle of the blade.

<FIG> show a shaving head in accordance with the present disclosure. <FIG> shows an isometric view of a shaving head with a cantilever member having side extensions. In the examples of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the shaving head does not comprise blade retainers. <FIG>-b show an isometric view and a top view of a cantilever member with side extensions. <FIG>-b show a shaving head comprising an actuator member in accordance with the present disclosure without and with a force acting on the actuator member. All features mentioned above with respect to <FIG> are compatible and combinable with the example of <FIG>. Especially the features which may be identical or similar will not be described again.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the actuator member <NUM> comprises cantilever elements <NUM> with side extensions <NUM>. The cantilever element <NUM> may comprise one, two or more side extensions. One or more side extensions may be arranged on each side of the actuator member <NUM> and extend outwardly (as shown) or instead or in addition extend inwardly (not shown). The side extensions may be configured to provide for an (additional) attachment area for connecting the cantilever element <NUM> to a portion of the frame. The side extensions may also be configured to provide an increased surface area for transmitting a force from a cantilever element <NUM> on one or more of the cutting members. The cantilever elements (with or without side extensions <NUM>) may be secured to the frame by clips or retainers, e.g., by retainers <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The cantilever elements itself may comprise means for attaching the actuator member <NUM> to the frame. For example, the actuator member <NUM> may comprise retainers, e.g., at one or more sides. The actuator member <NUM> may comprise one or more cantilever elements <NUM> with side extensions <NUM>. No additional retainers may be needed in such embodiments and one or more cutting members may be covered by the side extensions of the cantilever elements. The side extensions may thus protect the skin of coming in contact with the sharp pointy vertex of the blade edge. In such embodiments, the actuator member <NUM> may thus have a dual function, covering of the vertices of the one or more cutting members as well as adjusting exposure of one or more cutting members.

As can be seen in <FIG>-b, the components and arrangements of the different elements is similar to the previous examples (see in particular the example of <FIG>). Without a force exerting on the pressure sensor element <NUM> (<FIG>), the cantilever element <NUM> assumes a more or less straight shape (which, however, as discussed above, can have another pre-set shape). Upon applying a force on the pressure sensor element <NUM>, the cantilever element <NUM> is bent, which may result in progressively decreasing exposures of one or more cutting members (<FIG>). In the example of <FIG>-b, the shaving head may comprise retainers, see retainer <NUM>.

<FIG>-b show a shaving head without a retainer in a top view as well as in cross section with a force acting on the actuator member. Cantilever elements <NUM> may be configured to retain one or more of the cutting members in the frame of the shaving head. A cantilever element may be attached to the frame at one end (e.g., with a clip or retainer or glue), whereas the other end is free-moving (at least towards the blade direction). One end may for example be glued to the frame. As can be seen in <FIG>, no separate retainer may be required and instead side extensions <NUM> of the cantilever elements <NUM> retain the one or more cutting members within the frame. The actuator member <NUM> may be secured to the frame with any of its portions, e.g., a side portion <NUM> of the cantilever element <NUM> and/or a rear portion of the actuator member. <FIG> shows a cross section with a force exerted on the pressure sensing element <NUM>. In examples, the cantilever element <NUM> may actuate not all cutting members. Especially in such examples, the cutting members, which are not actuated by the cantilever element <NUM> may require other means for retaining the cutting members in the frame.

<FIG> show a variation of the actuator member described above. <FIG> shows a top view of an actuator member <NUM> with a cantilever member <NUM> with side extensions <NUM> and a pressure sensor element <NUM> without comb teeth. Without comb teeth, the surface for actuating the pressure sensor element <NUM> is increased, which may result in a more responsive pressure sensor element. <FIG> shows a shaving head comprising the actuator member of <FIG>. Although the example of <FIG> shows that the cantilever elements comprises side extensions <NUM>, it is emphasized that these are not required. An actuator member may thus comprise a cantilever element and a pressure sensor element <NUM> without comb teeth.

<FIG> show another variation of the actuator member described above. <FIG> shows a top view of an actuator member with a cantilever member with side extensions and a pressure sensor element with long comb teeth. The long comb teeth allow for more interaction with the skin terrain anomalies and may thus respond quicker and/or for a longer time. <FIG> shows a cross-section of the actuator member of <FIG> along the dashed line indicated in <FIG>. As can be seen, the long comb teeth increase the surface area of the pressure sensor element and may thus provide a quicker response to skin anomalies. Longer comb teeth may also better sort hair to be cut. Longer comb teeth may also allow longer hairs be raised from the skin surface before meeting the edge of the first cutting member, and thus facilitating more efficient and close shave result. <FIG> shows a shaving head comprising the actuator member of <FIG>. Of course, the width of the comb teeth is only illustrator and the width and length of the comb teeth may be adjusted to the specific needs.

<FIG>-b show a shaving head comprising an actuator member in accordance with the present disclosure without and with a force acting on the actuator member. All features mentioned above with respect to <FIG> are compatible and combinable with the example of <FIG>-b. Especially the features which may be identical or similar will not be described again.

The actuator member <NUM> of <FIG>-b is positioned such that the one or more cantilever elements <NUM> are positioned proximate to the leading longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and one or more pressure sensor elements <NUM> are positioned proximate to the trailing longitudinal side <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>-b the arrangement of the actuator member <NUM> in essence mirrors the arrangement shown and described in context with the example of <FIG>-b. Whereas in <FIG>-b, the pressure sensor element is positioned towards a leading end, it is positioned in <FIG>-b towards a trailing end. All features mentioned above are thus directly applicable for the example of <FIG>-b. For example, the (direct/indirect) connection of the cantilever element <NUM> to the frame and/or to the cutting members, the cantilever element <NUM> contacting/connecting to one or more cutting members, the (direct/indirect) connection with the pressure sensor element <NUM>, etc. Reference is made to the above description for further details.

As can be seen in <FIG>, actuating the actuator member <NUM> may result in the one or more cutting members having a decreased exposure relative to the shaving plane. The cantilever element <NUM> may progressively decrease the exposure of the cutting members relative to the shaving plane seen from a leading longitudinal end <NUM> of the frame to a trailing longitudinal end <NUM> of the frame.

<FIG> show a shaving head comprising an actuator member in accordance with the present disclosure without and with a force acting on the actuator member. As discussed above, the one or more of the cutting members may comprise one or more apertures <NUM> and the cantilever element <NUM> may extend through at least one of the apertures <NUM>. The one or more apertures <NUM> of a cutting member may be in the blade support 32a-e of the cutting member. Shown in <FIG> is that one or more cutting members comprise apertures <NUM>, which extend through the blade supports 32a-e. The cantilever element <NUM> extends through the apertures <NUM>. As the cantilever members are configured to contact the cutting members (or are connected to these), a force may be transferred from the cantilever element <NUM> to the cutting members in order to reduce an exposure of the cutting members relative to a shaving plane. <FIG> shows the "at rest" condition with no load applied on the pressure sensor element <NUM>. <FIG> shows that a force exerted on the pressure sensor element bends the cantilever element <NUM> such that the exposure of cutting members is progressively decreased relative to the shaving plane, thereby reducing the risk of skin irritations.

<FIG>-b show an isometric view of an actuator member and cutting members of <FIG>-b. The cantilever members <NUM> extend through apertures <NUM> in the cutting members. <FIG> illustrates two cantilever members <NUM>, which are positioned inwardly relative to the side edges of the pressure sensing element <NUM>. Retainers <NUM> and <NUM> are also shown in <FIG>-b but these are only optional elements. As discussed above, the one or more cutting members may also be secured by other means into the frame, e.g. by the cantilever members <NUM>.

In any of the foregoing embodiments, the actuator member may comprise aluminum, in particular wherein one or more of the cantilever elements comprises aluminum. Aluminum may be a preferred material as it can act as a sacrificial element via the cathodic protection mechanism and thereby improve corrosion resistance of the cutting member (which could e.g. comprise stainless steel). The actuator member may comprise an elastic material, in particular a metallic and/or a polymeric and/or composite material. The actuator member may be coated with antifriction materials to improve shaving performance. In addition, or, alternatively, the actuator member may be colored to enhance product aesthetics. In any of the embodiments described herein, the actuator member may be non-permanently attached to the guard. The actuator member may also be a detachable component.

The shaving head may comprise a plurality of actuator members. One or more of the cutting members may be positioned in a blade receiving section of the frame. One or more of the cutting members may be positioned on resilient fingers. One or more of the cutting members may be retained by retainers. One or more of the cutting members may comprise a blade and a blade support.

The present disclosure also provides a method of manufacturing a shaving head, which is not covered by the claimed invention, comprising, in any order, one or more of the following steps. Obtaining a frame, one or more cutting members and an actuator member. Disposing the one or more cutting members between a leading longitudinal side and a trailing longitudinal side of the frame such that one or more of the cutting members are movable in a direction orthogonal to a shaving plane. Disposing an actuator member in the frame such that it is configured to retract one or more of the cutting members in response to a pressure exerted on the actuator member. The actuator member may comprise a pressure sensor element and a cantilever element. Any of the aforementioned elements may in addition be assembled to the shaving head.

The present disclosure also provides a shaving razor assembly, which is not covered by the claimed invention, comprising a razor handle and a shaving head in accordance with any of the embodiments summarized above. The shaving head may 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.

The present disclosure also provides a kit of parts, which is not covered by the claimed invention, comprising a razor handle a shaving head holder comprising a plurality of shaving heads according to any of the embodiments summarized above. The scope of protection of the current invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A shaving head (<NUM>) comprising a frame (<NUM>) and one or more cutting members (28a-d) arranged between a leading longitudinal side (<NUM>) and a trailing longitudinal side (<NUM>) of the frame (<NUM>), wherein one or more of the cutting members (28a-d) are movable in a direction orthogonal to a shaving plane;
an actuator member (<NUM>), which is configured to retract one or more of the cutting members relative to the shaving plane (28a-d) in response to a pressure exerted on the actuator member (<NUM>), wherein the actuator member (<NUM>) comprises a pressure sensor element (<NUM>), characterised in that the actuator member (<NUM>) furthermore comprises:
one or more cantilever elements (<NUM>), which are configured to transmit a force from the pressure sensor element (<NUM>) to one or more of the cutting members (28a-d)
and wherein the one or more cantilever elements (<NUM>) comprise side extensions (<NUM>), in particular, wherein the one or more cantilever elements (<NUM>) are secured to the frame (<NUM>) by or with the side extensions (<NUM>) of the cantilever element (<NUM>).