Patent Description:
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 that 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.

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 & 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 decreases skin issues caused by shaving the face and body (e.g., PFB, irritation, redness, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, acne, etc.).

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> discuss razor blade cartridges with various blades and skin engagement surfaces.

The invention provides a razor cartridge in accordance with the claims.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a shaving razor system <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM> and a razor cartridge <NUM>. In some examples, the razor cartridge <NUM> may be detachably mounted to the handle <NUM> with a connector <NUM>, and in other examples, the razor cartridge <NUM> may be attached permanently to the handle <NUM>. The razor cartridge <NUM> may pivot relative to the handle <NUM>. The razor cartridge <NUM> may include a cartridge housing <NUM> having one or more blades <NUM>, each comprising part of a blade assembly as discussed further below. Although three blades are shown in <FIG>, it is understood that any number of blades, more or less, may be mounted within the razor cartridge <NUM>. The blade assemblies may be mounted within the cartridge housing <NUM> and secured with clips 24a and 24b as shown. The cartridge housing <NUM> may comprise a front <NUM>, a back <NUM>, a top <NUM>, and a bottom <NUM>. As used herein, the terms "front/forward," "back/rear," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof may refer to an orientation or direction with respect to the front <NUM> and back <NUM>, respectively, of the cartridge housing <NUM>, and the terms "top/up," "bottom/down," "vertical," and derivatives thereof may refer to an orientation or direction with respect to the top <NUM> and bottom <NUM>, respectively, of the cartridge housing <NUM>. The cartridge housing <NUM> may further comprise a cap <NUM> located near the back <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> and one or more guard structures <NUM> located near the front <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM>. The cap <NUM> may comprise one or more lubrication members <NUM>. The one or more guard structures <NUM> may be positioned in front of the blades <NUM> and may be joined to or integral with the cartridge housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the razor cartridge <NUM> may comprise first, second, and third blade assemblies 32a to 32c. The first blade assembly 32a may comprise a first blade 18a and a first blade support member 34a coupled to the first blade 18a. The second blade assembly 32b may comprise a second blade 18b and a second blade support member 34b coupled to the second blade 18b. The third blade assembly 32c may comprise a third blade 18c and a third blade support member 34c coupled to the third blade 18c. Each blade 18a to 18c comprises a respective blade tip 18a-<NUM> to 18c-<NUM> for cutting hairs and rear edge 18a-<NUM> to 18c-<NUM>. The components of the blade assemblies 32a to 32c may comprise, for example, stainless steel. The blade support members 34a to 34c may be a unitary part of the blades 18a to 18c, or alternatively, the blades 18a to 18c may be fixedly coupled to the respective blade support members 34a to 34c, such as by welding, adhesive, or other suitable technique. Each blade assembly 32a to 32c may be mounted within the cartridge housing <NUM> of the razor cartridge <NUM>. The blade support members 34a to 34c may be positioned within a respective blade slot 46a to 46c extending widthwise in the cartridge housing <NUM> and may be fixed or floating. The blade assemblies 32a to 32c may be secured by the clips 24a and 24b or other known assembly methods.

In the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first blade assembly 32a may be mounted in front of the second blade assembly 32b, and the second blade assembly 32b may be mounted in front of the third blade assembly 32c. As used herein, the terms "leading blade" and "leading blade assembly" refer to the blade and blade assembly that are located toward the front <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the terms "trailing blade" and "trailing blade assembly" refer to the blade and blade assembly that are located toward the back <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), with respect to a set of two or more blade assemblies mounted in the cartridge housing <NUM>. For example, the first blade assembly 32a may comprise a leading blade and a leading blade assembly, with respect to the second blade assembly 32b, and the second blade assembly 32b may comprise a trailing blade and trailing blade assembly, with respect to the first blade assembly 32a. The second blade assembly 32b may comprise a leading blade and a leading blade assembly with respect to the third blade assembly 32c. The third blade assembly 32c comprises a trailing blade and a trailing blade assembly with respect to the first and second blade assemblies 32a and 32b. The blade assemblies 32a to 32c may be spaced apart from each other, as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, a first interblade span S<NUM> may be defined between the blade tip 18a-<NUM> of the first blade 18a and the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade 18b, and a second interblade span S<NUM> may be defined between the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade 18b and the blade tip 18c-<NUM> of the third blade 18c, in which each interblade span S<NUM> and S<NUM> may be defined as a distance between a blade tip of one blade and a blade tip of an adjacent, consecutive blade. Each of the interblade spans S<NUM> and S<NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. A total blade span TBS, which comprises a sum of the first and second interblade spans S<NUM>, S<NUM>, may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. As described herein in more detail, the interblade span S<NUM>, S<NUM> may generally decrease as a number of blade assemblies 32a to 32c in the razor cartridge <NUM> increases, and vice versa. The interblade span S<NUM> may be substantially similar to the interblade span S<NUM>, as shown in the example in <FIG>, or the interblade spans S<NUM> and S<NUM> may vary within the razor cartridge <NUM>. Rinse channels <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed between adjacent ones of the blade assemblies 32a to 32c and may extend widthwise in the cartridge housing <NUM> of the razor cartridge <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. As described herein, the rinse channels <NUM> and <NUM> aid in the removal of cut hair, excess shave prep and/or soap, and other shaving debris from the razor cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>) to promote a more efficient and comfortable shave. One of the blade assemblies, e.g., the first blade assembly 32a, may also be adjacent to and spaced apart from the guard structure <NUM>. One of the blade assemblies, e.g., the third blade assembly 32c, may also be adjacent to and spaced apart from the cap <NUM>, and a gap <NUM> may be defined between the third blade assembly 32c and the cap <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a respective skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be affixed to one or more of the blade assemblies 32a to 32c. As used herein, the term "affixed" may mean that the skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is formed as part of, or is integral with, a component of the blade assembly 32a to 32c or is permanently coupled to a component of the blade assembly 32a to 32c, e.g., by welding, adhesive, or other suitable technique. In the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a respective skin support element <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is affixed to each blade assembly 32a to 32c. In other examples, one or more of the blade assemblies may not have a skin support element affixed to it. For instance, the third blade assembly 32c adjacent to the cap <NUM> may lack a skin support element (see also <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). The skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise, for instance, stainless steel.

The skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are affixed to a respective one of the blade assemblies 32a to 32c in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend widthwise along at least a portion of its respective blade 18a to 18c. Each skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise one or more sections. With reference to the skin support element <NUM>, it may comprise a leading section <NUM> affixed to the first blade 18a, an intermediate section <NUM>, and a trailing section <NUM>. The leading section <NUM> may comprise a leading edge <NUM> and may extend along a portion of an outer surface 19a of the first blade 18a between the rear edge 18a-<NUM> and the blade tip 18a-<NUM> of the first blade 18a. In particular, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the leading section <NUM> may extend from the leading edge <NUM> in a direction toward the blade tip 18a-<NUM> of the first blade 18a and may be connected to the intermediate section <NUM> via a first curved connecting section <NUM>, such that the intermediate section <NUM> extends in a direction away from the blade tip 18a-<NUM> of the first blade 18a. In the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the intermediate section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be generally planar, and at least a portion of the first curved connecting section <NUM> and the intermediate section <NUM> may together define a skin contacting surface that contacts the skin of the user during shaving. The trailing section <NUM>, which may be connected to the intermediate section <NUM> via a second curved connecting section <NUM>, may extend substantially vertically downward (i.e., at an angle of about <NUM>° with respect to a blade plane defined between the blade tips 18a-<NUM> to 18c-<NUM>, as described herein) toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) and may comprise a trailing edge <NUM>. As described herein in more detail, the skin support element <NUM> may comprise a leading part <NUM> and a trailing part <NUM>.

The skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise a structure that is substantially similar to the skin support element <NUM>. In particular, the skin support element <NUM> may comprise leading, intermediate, and trailing sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the skin support element <NUM> may comprise leading, intermediate, and trailing sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The leading sections <NUM> and <NUM> may be affixed to the respective blade 18b and 18c and may comprise a respective leading edge <NUM> and <NUM>. The leading sections <NUM> and <NUM> may extend along a portion of an outer surface 19b and 19c of the respective blade 18b and 18c between the rear edge 18b-<NUM> and 18c-<NUM> and the blade tip 18b-<NUM> and 18c-<NUM> of the respective blade 18b and 18c. In particular, the leading section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may extend from the leading edge <NUM> in a direction toward the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade 18b and may be connected to the intermediate section <NUM> via a first curved connecting section <NUM>, such that the intermediate section <NUM> extends in a direction away from the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade 18b. The leading section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may similarly extend from the leading edge <NUM> in a direction toward the blade tip 18c-<NUM> of the third blade 18c and may be connected to the intermediate section <NUM> via a first curved connecting section <NUM>, such that the intermediate section <NUM> extends in a direction away from the blade tip 18c-<NUM> of the third blade 18c. The intermediate sections <NUM> and <NUM> of the respective skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM> may be generally planar, and at least a portion of the respective first curved connecting sections <NUM> and <NUM> and intermediate sections <NUM> and <NUM> may together define respective skin contacting surfaces. The trailing sections <NUM> and <NUM>, which may be connected to the respective intermediate sections <NUM> and <NUM> via a second curved connecting section <NUM> and <NUM>, may extend substantially vertically downward toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) and may comprise a respective trailing edge <NUM> and <NUM>. Each skin support element <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise a respective leading part <NUM> and <NUM> and trailing part <NUM> and <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the skin support element <NUM> affixed to the first blade assembly 32a extends past the blade support member 34a to which the blade 18a is coupled and toward the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade assembly 32b. The skin support element <NUM> affixed to the second blade assembly 32b similarly extends past the blade support member 34b to which the blade 18b is coupled and toward the blade tip 18c-<NUM> of the third blade assembly 32c. When present, the skin support element <NUM> affixed to the third blade assembly 32c may extend past the blade support member 34c to which the blade 18c is coupled and toward the cap <NUM>.

The trailing parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the respective skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be spaced apart from an adjacent structure, which may comprise another blade assembly or the cap. As used herein, the term "trailing part" may refer to a part of the trailing section that is located closest to the back <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). The trailing parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be at least partially defined by the trailing sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the respective skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, because the trailing sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend substantially vertically downward toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM>, an outer surface of substantially an entirety of the trailing sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may define the respective trailing parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The trailing part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be spaced apart from the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade 18b by a first distance <NUM>, and the trailing part <NUM> of the second skin support element <NUM> may be spaced apart from the blade tip 18c-<NUM> of the third blade 18c by a second distance <NUM>. The distances <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise a horizontal distance (i.e., a distance in a direction substantially parallel to the blade plane) between the trailing parts <NUM> and <NUM> and the blade tips 18b-<NUM> and 18c-<NUM> of the adjacent blades 18b and 18c. Each distance <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The trailing part <NUM> of the third skin support element <NUM> may be spaced apart from the cap <NUM> by a third distance <NUM>, which may also be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the trailing part <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of each respective skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is also spaced apart from, i.e., unattached to, the blade support member 34a to 34c to which the respective blade 18a to 18c is coupled.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the skin support element <NUM> affixed to the first blade assembly 32a may comprise a horizontal length L<NUM> that is defined between the leading part <NUM> and the trailing part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM>. As used herein, the term "leading part" may refer to a part of the leading section <NUM> that is located closest to the front <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). In the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the leading part <NUM> may be at least partially defined by the first curved connecting section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM>. The horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some examples, the horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the distance <NUM> from the trailing part <NUM> to the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade assembly 32b. A distance <NUM> may be defined between the blade tip 18a-<NUM> and the leading part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The first blade 18a may comprise a length L<NUM> that is defined between the blade tip 18a-<NUM> and the rear edge 18a-<NUM> of the blade 18a. The length L<NUM> of the blade 18a may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some examples, the length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the length L<NUM> of the blade 18a.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second blade assembly 32b and the skin support element <NUM> may be substantially similar to the first blade assembly 32a and the skin support element <NUM>, with the leading part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> being at least partially defined by the first curved connecting section <NUM>. The skin support element <NUM> may comprise a horizontal length (not labeled; defined between the leading and trailing parts <NUM> and <NUM>) that is substantially similar to the length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> and may be greater than the distance <NUM> from the trailing part <NUM> to the blade tip 18c-<NUM> of the third blade assembly 32c. A distance (not labeled) may be defined between the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade 18b and the leading part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> defined between the blade tip 18a-<NUM> and the leading part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM>. The second blade 18b may comprise a length (not labeled; defined between the blade tip 18b-<NUM> and the rear edge 18b-<NUM>) that may be substantially similar to the L<NUM> of the first blade 18a. The length of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the length of the blade 18b.

Similar to the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM>, the leading part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> affixed to the third blade assembly 32c may be at least partially defined by the first curved connecting section <NUM>, and the skin support element <NUM> may comprise a horizontal length (not labeled; defined between the leading and trailing parts <NUM> and <NUM>). In the example illustrated in <FIG>, due to the proximity of the third blade assembly 32c to the cap <NUM>, the length of the skin support element <NUM> may be less than the length L<NUM> of the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM> to avoid interference with the cap <NUM>. In some examples, the length of the skin support element <NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The length of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the distance <NUM> from the trailing part <NUM> to the cap <NUM>. A distance (not labeled) may be defined between the blade tip 18c-<NUM> of the third blade 18c and the leading part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM>. The third blade 18c may comprise a length (not labeled; defined between the blade tip 18c-<NUM> and the rear edge 18c-<NUM>) that may be substantially similar to the L<NUM> of the first blade 18a. In the illustrated example, the length of the skin support element <NUM> may be substantially similar to the length of the blade 18c. In other examples (not shown), the skin support element <NUM> may be substantially similar to the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM>, such that the length of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the length of the blade 18c.

One or more parameters of the blade assemblies 32a to 32c and/or the skin support elements <NUM> to <NUM> may be varied based on, for example, a number and/or spacing of the blade assemblies 32a to 32c. With reference to the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG> with three blade assemblies 32a to 32c, the interblade spans S<NUM> and S<NUM> may each be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, as described herein (see <FIG> and the discussion below for examples with two blade assemblies). For interblade spans S<NUM>, S<NUM> near the higher end of this range for a three-bladed system, e.g., about <NUM>, the horizontal length of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM> (see L<NUM> in <FIG>; defined between the respective ones of the leading <NUM>, <NUM> and trailing parts <NUM>, <NUM>) may be about <NUM>; the distances <NUM>, <NUM> may be about <NUM>; and the distances between the respective blade tips 18a-<NUM>, 18a-<NUM> and leading parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the skin support elements (see <NUM> in <FIG>) may be about <NUM>. For interblade spans S<NUM>, S<NUM> near the middle of this range, e.g., about <NUM>, the horizontal length of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM> may be about <NUM>; the distances <NUM>, <NUM> may be about <NUM>; and the distances between the respective blade tips 18a-<NUM>, 18a-<NUM> and leading parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the skin support elements may be about <NUM>. For interblade spans S<NUM>, S<NUM> near the lower end of this range, e.g., about <NUM>, the horizontal length of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM> may be about <NUM>; the distances <NUM>, <NUM> may be about <NUM>; and the distances between the respective blade tips 18a-<NUM>, 18a-<NUM> and leading parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the skin support elements may be about <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a plane extending between the upper surfaces of the cap <NUM> and the guard structure <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> of the razor cartridge <NUM> may define a shaving plane P for the blade tips 18a-<NUM> to 18c-<NUM> of the respective blades 18a to 18c. As shown with respect to the first blade 18a, a blade position plane may be defined by a line <NUM> extending outward from the tip 18a-<NUM> parallel to the blade 18a. A first blade plane or first blade tip plane <NUM> may be defined by a line extending tangent to and between the blade tip 18a-<NUM> of the first blade 18a and the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade 18b, and a second blade plane or second blade tip plane <NUM> may be defined by a line extending tangent to and between the blade tip 18b-<NUM> of the second blade 18b and the blade tip 18c-<NUM> of the third blade 18c. In the example shown in <FIG>, the blades 18a to 18c are positioned such that the first and second blade planes <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially coplanar with and parallel to the shaving plane P. In other examples, one or more of the blade planes may be located above or below the shaving plane P and/or may not be substantially parallel with the shaving plane P. As described in more detail herein, each of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be positioned such that its highest point(s) or surface, i.e., point(s) or surface located furthest from the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM>, is at, above, or below the shaving plane P and/or one or more of the blade planes <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, at least a portion of each skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend substantially parallel to the shaving plane P and/or the blade planes <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, at least a portion of each intermediate section <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend substantially parallel to the shaving plane P and one or both of the blade planes <NUM> and <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, one or more of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may optionally comprise a respective plurality of openings <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> that extend through a thickness T of the respective skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The thickness T of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (shown with respect to representative skin support element <NUM>) may comprise about <NUM> ± <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may define any suitable shape and/or dimension. As shown in the example in <FIG>, the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise a substantially oval shape. In other examples (not shown), the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise a substantially circular shape, a substantially square or rectangular shape, and the like. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise a width W, which may be at least about <NUM> to approximately half of a total width (not labeled) of the respective skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to allow rinsing of shaving debris as described herein. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise a depth D, which may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. A spacing between adjacent ones of the respective openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be adjusted as desired to space the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> closer together or further apart, with respect to each other. In the example shown, the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed between the respective leading parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and trailing parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (i.e., formed substantially in the intermediate sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), with a forward edge (not labeled) of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> being substantially aligned in a vertical direction with the rear edges 18a-<NUM> to 18c-<NUM> of the respective blades 18a to 18c and a rear edge (not labeled) of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> being formed near a junction between the intermediate sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the respective second curved connecting sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise rinse slots that are in fluid communication with respective ones of the rinse channels <NUM> and <NUM> defined between adjacent ones of the blade assemblies 32a to 32c and with the gap <NUM> defined between the third blade assembly 32c and the cap <NUM> to aid in the removal of shaving debris to promote a more efficient and comfortable shave. Because the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend across at least a portion of the rinse channels <NUM> and <NUM> formed between adjacent ones of the blade assemblies 32a to 32b and across at least a portion of the gap <NUM>, removal of shaving debris may be inhibited. In the absence of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the only points of entry for shaving debris into the rinse channels <NUM> and <NUM> and the gap <NUM> are the relatively small spaces defined between the trailing parts <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the skin support elements and the adjacent structure (as illustrated by respective distances <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>). Providing the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may help the shaving debris and liquid (e.g., water) to more easily enter the rinse channels <NUM> and <NUM> and the gap <NUM>, where it may be flushed away and removed.

<FIG> illustrate alternative embodiments of blade assemblies and associated skin support elements, in which the cartridge housing <NUM> of the razor cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) has been removed to illustrate the blade assemblies and skin support elements in detail. Some labeling of components has been removed in order to illustrate other aspects of the disclosed structure in detail.

<FIG> is a side view of first and second blade assemblies 132a and 132b, which may be substantially similar in structure to the first and second blade assemblies 32a and 32b in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The first blade assembly 132a may comprise a first blade 118a and a first blade support member 134a coupled to the first blade 118a; and the second blade assembly 132b may comprise a second blade 118b and a second blade support member 134b coupled to the second blade 118b. The first blade assembly 132a may comprise a leading blade and a leading blade assembly with respect to the second blade assembly 132b and may be mounted to the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) in front of the second blade assembly 132b, which may comprise a trailing blade and a trailing blade assembly as described herein. The first blade assembly 132a may be spaced apart from the second blade assembly 132b, and an interblade span S<NUM> may be defined between a blade tip 118a-<NUM> of the first blade 118a and a blade tip 118b-<NUM> of the second blade 118b. The second blade assembly 132b may be adjacent to the cap <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and a gap (not labeled) may be defined between the second blade assembly 132b and the cap <NUM>.

A skin support element <NUM> may be affixed to the first blade assembly 132a, and in particular, the skin support element <NUM> may be affixed to, and extend widthwise along, at least a portion of the first blade 118A. The skin support element <NUM> may be substantially similar in structure to the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, except for a horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM>, as discussed herein. The skin support element <NUM> may comprise a leading section <NUM> affixed to the blade 118a and comprising a leading part <NUM>; an intermediate section <NUM> connected to the leading section <NUM> by a first curved connecting section (not labeled); and a trailing section <NUM> connected to the intermediate section <NUM> by a second curved connecting section (not labeled) and comprising a trailing part <NUM>. The intermediate section <NUM> may be generally planar, and at least a portion of the first curved connecting section and the intermediate section <NUM> may together define a skin contacting surface. A distance <NUM> may be defined between the blade tip 118a-<NUM> of the first blade 118a and the leading part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be from about <NUM> to <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a blade plane may be defined by a line <NUM> extending tangent to the blade tips 118a-<NUM> and 118b-<NUM> of the respective blades 118a and 118b. The blade plane <NUM> may be used to measure one or more vertical distances with respect to the blade plane <NUM>. A highest point (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be located along at least a portion of an outer surface (i.e., the surface facing away from the cartridge housing <NUM>; see <FIG>) of the generally planar intermediate section <NUM>, may be positioned between about <NUM> above the blade plane <NUM> to about <NUM> below the blade plane <NUM>. A preferred position may be at about <NUM> above the blade plane <NUM>, such that the highest point on the skin support element <NUM> may sit slightly above the blade plane <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the blade plane <NUM> may be substantially coplanar with and/or parallel to a shaving plane (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>). At least a portion of the skin support element <NUM>, i.e., the generally planar intermediate section <NUM>, may extend substantially parallel to the blade plane <NUM> and/or the shaving plane. The skin support element <NUM> extends past the blade support member 134a to which the blade 118a is coupled and toward the blade tip 118b-<NUM> of the second blade assembly 132b. The trailing part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> is spaced apart from, i.e., unattached to, the blade support member 134a to which the blade 118a is coupled. Although not visible, the skin support element <NUM> may optionally comprise a plurality of openings, which may be substantially similar to the openings <NUM> in <FIG>. While only the first blade assembly 132a in <FIG> is depicted as having a skin support element affixed to it, it is understood that the second blade assembly 132b could also have a skin support element affixed to it, as described herein (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the trailing part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be spaced apart from the blade tip 118b-<NUM> of the second blade 118b by a distance <NUM>, which may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The interblade span S<NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and the horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> (defined between the leading and trailing parts <NUM> and <NUM>) may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the distance <NUM> and greater than a length (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>) of the blade 118a.

In general, because the example illustrated in <FIG> includes only two blade assemblies 132a, 132b, a spacing between the first and second blade assemblies 132a and 132b may be greater than the spacing between the first and second blade assemblies 32a and 32b in <FIG>, such that the interblade span S<NUM> (which also defines a total blade span) in <FIG> is greater than the interblade span S<NUM> in the three-bladed system depicted in <FIG>. The horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG> may also be greater than the horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG>.

One or more parameters of the blade assemblies 132a and 132b and/or the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG> may be varied based on, for example, a number and/or spacing of the blade assemblies 132a and 132b. In the depicted example with two blade assemblies 132a and 132b, the interblade span S<NUM> (which also defines a total blade span) may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, as described herein (see <FIG> and <FIG> and the preceding discussion for examples with three blade assemblies). For an interblade span S<NUM> near the higher end of the described range for a two-bladed system, e.g., about <NUM>, the horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be about <NUM>; the distance <NUM> may be about <NUM>; and the distance <NUM> may be about <NUM>. For an interblade span S<NUM> near the middle of this range, e.g., about <NUM>, the horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be about <NUM>; the distance <NUM> may be about <NUM>; and the distance <NUM> may be about <NUM>. For an interblade span S<NUM> near the lower end of this range, e.g., about <NUM>, the horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be about <NUM>; the distance <NUM> may be about <NUM>; and the distance <NUM> may be about <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are perspective and side views, respectively, of first and second blade assemblies 232a and 232b, which may be substantially similar in structure to the first and second blade assemblies 32a and 32b in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The first blade assembly 232a may comprise a first blade 218a and a first blade support member 234a coupled to the first blade 218a; and the second blade assembly 232b may comprise a second blade 218b and a second blade support member 234b coupled to the second blade 218b. The blade assemblies 232a and 232b may be mounted to the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) and may comprise leading and trailing blades and blade assemblies, as described herein. Although only two blade assemblies are shown, it is understood that the razor cartridge may comprise three or more blade assemblies (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The first blade assembly 232a may be spaced apart from the second blade assembly 232b, and an interblade span (not labeled) may be defined between a blade tip 218a-<NUM> of the first blade 218a and a blade tip 218b-<NUM> of the second blade 218b, which may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM> as described herein. The second blade assembly 232b may be adjacent to the cap <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and a gap (not labeled) may be defined between the second blade assembly 232b and the cap <NUM>.

A skin support element <NUM> may be affixed to the first blade assembly 232a, and in particular, the skin support element <NUM> may be affixed to, and extend widthwise along, at least a portion of the first blade 218A. The skin support element <NUM> may comprise a leading section <NUM> affixed to the blade 218a and comprising a leading part <NUM>; an intermediate section <NUM>; and a trailing section <NUM> comprising a trailing part <NUM>. The skin support element <NUM> extends past the blade support member 234a to which the blade 218a is coupled and toward the blade tip 218b-<NUM> of the second blade assembly 232b. The trailing part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> is spaced apart from, i.e., unattached to, the blade support member 234a to which the blade 218a is coupled. The skin support element <NUM> may optionally comprise a plurality of openings <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the openings <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described herein. While only the first blade assembly 232a in <FIG> and <FIG> is depicted as having a skin support element affixed to it, it is understood that the second blade assembly 232b could also comprise a skin support element affixed to it, as described herein (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the leading section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may comprise a leading edge <NUM> and may extend along a portion of an outer surface (not labeled) of the first blade 218a between the blade tip 218a-<NUM> and a rear edge 218a-<NUM> of the first blade 218a. In particular, the leading section <NUM> may extend from the leading edge <NUM> in a direction from the blade tip 218a-<NUM> toward the rear edge 218a-<NUM> of the blade 218a. The intermediate section <NUM> is connected to the leading section <NUM> and extends in a direction away from the blade tip 218a-<NUM> of the first blade 218a. In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the intermediate section <NUM> may comprise one or more curved portions. A first curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be connected to the leading section <NUM> and may curve downward toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). A second curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be connected to the first curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> and may curve upward in a direction away from the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). The second curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> may comprise a radius of curvature of about <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be lower than, i.e., closer to the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM>, the second curved portion <NUM>-<NUM>. The intermediate section <NUM> may comprise a portion extending between the second curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the trailing section <NUM> that is generally planar and defines a skin contacting surface. The trailing section <NUM> may be connected to the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM> via a curved connecting section <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a blade plane may be defined by a line <NUM> extending tangent to the blade tips 218a-<NUM> and 218b-<NUM> of the respective blades 218a and 218b, which may be used to measure vertical distances with respect to the blade plane <NUM>. A vertical distance from the blade plane <NUM> to a lowest point of the first curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be about <NUM> ± <NUM>, as measured with respect to an inner surface (i.e., the surface nearest the cartridge housing <NUM>; see <FIG>) of the first curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> and indicated by measurement A<NUM>. A highest point (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be located along at least a portion of an outer surface of the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM>, may be positioned between about <NUM> above the blade plane <NUM> to about <NUM> below the blade plane <NUM>, with a preferred position being at about <NUM> above the blade plane <NUM>. A horizontal distance from the blade tip 218a-<NUM> of the blade 218a to the start of the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM> may comprise about <NUM>, as indicated by measurement B<NUM>. In some examples, the blade plane <NUM> may be substantially coplanar with and/or parallel to a shaving plane (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>). At least a portion of the skin support element <NUM>, i.e., the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM>, may extend substantially parallel to the blade plane <NUM> and/or the shaving plane. A blade position plane may be defined by a line <NUM> extending outward from the blade tip 218a-<NUM> parallel to the blade 218b. A distance from the blade position plane <NUM> to a parallel tangent point on an outer surface of the second curved connecting section <NUM> may comprise about <NUM>, as indicated by measurement C<NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the leading part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be defined by the leading edge <NUM>, and the trailing part <NUM> may be at least partially defined by the trailing section <NUM>. A distance (not labeled) may be defined between the blade tip 218a-<NUM> of the first blade 218a and the leading part <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> in <FIG> or the distance <NUM> in <FIG>. The trailing section <NUM> may be substantially similar in structure to the trailing section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The trailing section <NUM> may comprise a trailing edge <NUM> that is vertically spaced from the leading edge <NUM> of the leading section <NUM>. The trailing part <NUM> may be spaced apart from the blade tip 218b-<NUM> of the second blade 218b by a distance <NUM>. In some instances, the distance <NUM> may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> in <FIG>. A horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> (defined between the leading and trailing parts <NUM> and <NUM>) may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the distance <NUM> and greater than a length (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>) of the blade 218a. One or more parameters of the blade assemblies 232a and 232b and/or the skin support element <NUM> may be varied based on, for example, a number and/or spacing of the blade assemblies 232a and 232b, as described herein in detail.

<FIG> is a side view of first and second blade assemblies 332a and 332b, which may be substantially similar in structure to the first and second blade assemblies 32a and 32b in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The first blade assembly 332a may comprise a first blade 318a and a first blade support member 334a coupled to the first blade 318a; and the second blade assembly 332b may comprise a second blade 318b and a second blade support member 334b coupled to the second blade 318b. The blade assemblies 332a and 332b may be mounted to the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) and may comprise leading and trailing blades and blade assemblies, as described herein. Although only two blade assemblies are shown, it is understood that the razor cartridge may comprise three or more blade assemblies (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The first blade assembly 332a may be spaced apart from the second blade assembly 332b, and an interblade span (not labeled) may be defined between a blade tip (not labeled) of the first blade 318a and a blade tip (not labeled) of the second blade 318b, which may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The second blade assembly 332b may be adjacent to the cap <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and a gap (not labeled) may be defined between the second blade assembly 332b and the cap <NUM>.

A skin support element <NUM> may be affixed to the first blade assembly 332a, and in particular, the skin support element <NUM> may be affixed to, and extend widthwise along, at least a portion of the first blade 318a. The skin support element <NUM> may comprise a leading section <NUM> affixed to the blade 318a and comprising a leading part (not labeled); an intermediate section <NUM>; and a trailing section <NUM> connected to the intermediate section <NUM> by a second curved connecting section (not labeled) and comprising a trailing part <NUM>/<NUM>'. The skin support element <NUM> extends past the blade support member 334a to which the blade 318a is coupled and toward the blade tip of the second blade assembly 332b. The trailing part <NUM>/<NUM>' of the skin support element <NUM> is spaced apart from, i.e., unattached to, the blade support member 334a to which the blade 318a is coupled. Although not visible, the skin support element <NUM> may optionally comprise a plurality of openings, which may be substantially similar to the openings <NUM> in <FIG>. While only the first blade assembly 332a in <FIG> is depicted as having a skin support element affixed to it, it is understood that the second blade assembly 332b could also comprise a skin support element affixed to it (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

Similar to the leading section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the leading section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may extend from a leading edge (not labeled) in a direction toward the blade tip of the first blade 318a and may be connected to the intermediate section <NUM> via a first curved connecting section (not labeled), such that the intermediate section <NUM> extends in a direction away from the blade tip of the first blade 318a. A distance (not labeled) may be defined between the blade tip of the first blade 318a and the leading part of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> in <FIG> or the distance <NUM> in <FIG>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the intermediate section <NUM> may comprise one or more curved portions. A first curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be connected to the leading section <NUM> and may curve downward toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). A second curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be connected to the first curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> and may curve upward in a direction away from the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). The second curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> may comprise a radius of curvature of about <NUM>. The intermediate section <NUM> may comprise a portion extending between the second curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the trailing section <NUM> that is generally planar. At least a portion of the first curved connecting section and the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM> may define a skin contacting surface. The trailing section <NUM> may be connected to the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM> via the second curved connecting section (not labeled).

In <FIG>, a blade plane may be defined by a line <NUM> tangent to the blade tips of the respective blades 318a and 318b, which may be used to measure vertical distances with respect to the blade plane <NUM>. A vertical distance from the blade plane <NUM> to a highest point on the first curved connecting section may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM> below the blade plane <NUM>, as measured between the blade plane <NUM> and an outer surface of the first curved connecting section and indicated by measurement D<NUM>. A vertical distance from the blade plane <NUM> to a lowest point of the first curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> may be about <NUM> ± <NUM>, as measured with respect to an inner surface of the first curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> and indicated by measurement A<NUM>. A highest point (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be located along at least a portion of an outer surface of the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM>, may be positioned between about <NUM> above the blade plane <NUM> to about <NUM> below the blade plane <NUM>, with a preferred position being at about <NUM> above the blade plane <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, a highest point on the first curved connecting section may be at or slightly below, but generally does not extend above, the blade plane and the highest point along the intermediate section <NUM>. A horizontal distance from the blade tip of the blade 318a to a start of the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM> may comprise about <NUM>, as indicated by measurement B<NUM>. In some examples, the blade plane <NUM> may be substantially coplanar with and/or parallel to a shaving plane (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>). At least a portion of the skin support element <NUM>, i.e., the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM>, may extend substantially parallel to the blade plane <NUM> and/or the shaving plane. A blade position plane may be defined by a line <NUM> extending outward from the blade tip parallel to the blade 318b. A distance from the blade position plane <NUM> to a parallel tangent point on an outer surface of the second curved connecting section may comprise about <NUM>, as indicated by measurement C<NUM>. The trailing section <NUM> may comprise a trailing edge (not labeled) that is vertically spaced from the leading edge (not labeled) of the leading section <NUM>.

In some examples, similar to the trailing section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, the trailing section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG> may extend substantially vertically downward (i.e., at an angle of about <NUM>° with respect to the blade plane <NUM>) toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), such that substantially an entirety of an outer surface of the trailing section <NUM> defines the trailing part <NUM>. The trailing part <NUM> may be spaced apart from the blade tip of the second blade 318b by a distance <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> in <FIG>. In other examples, the trailing section <NUM> may be sloped, such that the trailing section <NUM> extends downward toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> at an acute angle (i.e., less than <NUM>°) relative to the blade plane <NUM>, in which the angle of the trailing section <NUM> relative to the blade plane <NUM> may be from about <NUM>° to less than <NUM>°. The trailing part <NUM>', which may comprise the part or point of the trailing section <NUM> that extends the furthest toward the back <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), may be spaced apart from the blade tip of the second blade 318b by a distance <NUM>'. A horizontal length (not labeled; defined between the leading part and trailing part <NUM>/<NUM>') of the skin support element <NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The horizontal length of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the distance <NUM>/<NUM>' and greater than a length (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>) of the blade 318a. One or more parameters of the blade assemblies 332a and 332b and/or the skin support element <NUM> may be varied based on, for example, a number and/or spacing of the blade assemblies 332a and 332b, as described herein in detail.

<FIG> is a side view of first, second, and third blade assemblies 432a, 432b, and 432c, which may be substantially similar in structure to the first and second blade assemblies 32a and 32b in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Each blade assembly 432a, 432b, and 432c may comprise a respective blade 418a, 418b, and 418c and blade support member 434a, 434b, and 434c coupled to the respective blade 418a, 418b, and 418c, with each blade assembly 432a to 432c being mounted to the cartridge housing <NUM> of the razor cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>). The blade assemblies 432a to 432c may comprise leading and trailing blades and blade assemblies, as described herein. The blade assemblies 432a to 432c may be spaced apart from each other. A first interblade span (not labeled) may be defined between a blade tip (not labeled) of the first blade 418a and a blade tip (not labeled) of the second blade 418b, and a second interblade span (not labeled) may be defined between the blade tip of the second blade 418b and a blade tip (not labeled) of the third blade 418c, both of which may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The third blade assembly 332c may be adjacent to the cap <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and a gap (not labeled) may be defined between the third blade assembly 332c and the cap <NUM>.

A skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be affixed to a respective one of the blade assemblies 432a to 432c, and in particular, the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be affixed to, and extend widthwise along, at least a portion of the respective blades 418a to 418c. The skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend past the blade support members 434a to 434c to which the respective blade 418a to 418c is coupled and toward the blade tip of the adjacent blade assembly 432b and 432c or the cap <NUM>. Although not visible, the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may optionally comprise a plurality of openings, which may be substantially similar to the openings <NUM> in <FIG>.

With reference to the first blade assembly 432a in <FIG>, the skin support element <NUM> may comprise a leading section <NUM> affixed to the blade 418a and comprising a leading part (not labeled); an intermediate section <NUM>; and a trailing section <NUM> comprising a trailing part <NUM>. Similar to the leading section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the leading section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may extend from a leading edge (not labeled) in a direction toward the blade tip of the first blade 418a and may be connected to the intermediate section <NUM> via a first curved connecting section (not labeled), such that the intermediate section <NUM> extends in a direction away from the blade tip of the first blade 418a. A distance (not labeled) may be defined between the blade tip of the first blade 418a and the leading part of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> in <FIG>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the intermediate section <NUM> may comprise one or more curved or sloped portions. A first portion (not labeled) of the intermediate section <NUM> may be connected to the leading section <NUM> and may curve or slope downward toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). A second portion (not labeled) of the intermediate section <NUM> may be connected to the first portion and may be generally planar or may curve or slope upward in a direction away from the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM>. The trailing section <NUM>, which may be connected to the second portion of the intermediate section <NUM> via a second curved connecting section (not labeled), may extend substantially vertically downward toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). The trailing part <NUM> is spaced apart from, i.e., unattached to, the blade support member 434a to which the blade 418a is coupled.

In <FIG>, a blade plane may be defined by a line <NUM> extending tangent to the blade tips of respective ones of the first and second blades 418a and 418b, which may be used to measure vertical distances with respect to the blade plane <NUM>. A blade plane (not shown) may similarly be defined for the second and third blades 418b and 418c. With respect to the skin support element <NUM>, a highest point of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be located along at least a portion of an outer surface of the intermediate section 452may be positioned between about <NUM> above the blade plane <NUM> to about <NUM> below the blade plane <NUM>, with a preferred position being at about <NUM> above the blade plane <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the highest point on the first curved connecting section and/or the intermediate section <NUM> may define a skin contacting surface. A vertical distance from the blade plane <NUM> to a lowest point of the intermediate section <NUM> may be about <NUM> ± <NUM> below the blade plane <NUM>, as measured with respect to an inner surface of the intermediate section <NUM> and indicated by measurement A<NUM>. In some examples, the blade plane <NUM> may be substantially coplanar with and/or parallel to a shaving plane (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>). A blade position plane may be defined by a line <NUM> extending outward from the blade tip parallel to the blade 418b. A distance from the blade position plane <NUM> to a parallel tangent point on an outer surface of the second curved connecting section may comprise about <NUM>, as indicated by measurement C<NUM>.

The leading part (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM> may be at least partially defined by the first curved connecting section, and the trailing part <NUM> may be at least partially defined by the trailing section <NUM>. The trailing part <NUM> may be spaced apart from the blade tip of the second blade 418b by a distance <NUM>. In some instances, the distance <NUM> may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> in <FIG>. A horizontal length (not labeled; defined between the leading part and trailing part <NUM>) of the skin support element <NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The horizontal length of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the distance <NUM> and greater than a length (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>) of the blade 418a.

The skin support element <NUM> in <FIG> may be substantially similar in structure to the skin support element <NUM>. The leading section (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM> may be substantially similar in structure to the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM>, but similar to the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a horizontal length (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM> may be reduced, as compared to the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM>, to avoid interference with the cap <NUM> (see <FIG>). In the illustrated example, the intermediate and trailing sections (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM> are shortened. In other examples (not shown), the length of the skin support element <NUM> may be substantially similar to the length of the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM>. A distance (not labeled) may be defined between the respective blade tips of the second and third blades 418b, 418c and the leading parts of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> in <FIG>. One or more parameters of the blade assemblies 432a to 432c and/or the skin support elements <NUM> to <NUM> may be varied based on, for example, a number and/or spacing of the blade assemblies 432a to 432c, as described herein in detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view of first and second blade assemblies 532a and 532b, which may be substantially similar in structure to the first and second blade assemblies 32a and 32b in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Each blade assembly 532a and 532b may comprise a respective blade 518a and 518b and blade support member 534a and 534b coupled to the respective blade 518a and 518b, with each blade assembly 532a and 532b being mounted to the cartridge housing <NUM> of the razor cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>). The blade assemblies 532a and 532b may comprise leading and trailing blades and blade assemblies, as described herein. Although only two blade assemblies are shown, it is understood that the razor cartridge may comprise three or more blade assemblies (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The first blade assembly 532a may be spaced apart from the second blade assembly 532b, and an interblade span (not labeled) may be defined between a blade tip 518a-<NUM> of the first blade 518a and a blade tip 518b-<NUM> of the second blade 518b, which may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The second blade assembly 532b may be adjacent to the cap <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and a gap (not labeled) may be defined between the second blade assembly 532b and the cap <NUM>.

A skin support element <NUM> may be affixed to the first blade assembly 532a, and in particular, the skin support element <NUM> may be affixed to, and extend widthwise along, at least a portion of a back surface (not labeled) of the first blade support member 534a, which may comprise a leading blade support member. The skin support element <NUM> extends past the blade support member 534a to which the blade 518a is coupled and toward the blade tip 518b-<NUM> of the adjacent blade assembly 532b. The skin support element <NUM> may optionally comprise a plurality of openings <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the openings <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described herein. While only the first blade assembly 532a in <FIG> is depicted as including a skin support element, it is understood that the second blade assembly 532b could also comprise a skin support element (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

The skin support element <NUM> may comprise a leading section <NUM> affixed to the blade support member 534a and comprising a leading part (not labeled); an intermediate section <NUM>; and a trailing section <NUM> comprising a trailing part <NUM>. The leading section <NUM> may extend substantially parallel to the surface of the blade support member 534a and may be connected to the intermediate section <NUM> via a first curved connecting section (not labeled). In particular, the leading section <NUM> may extend, in a direction from the bottom <NUM> to the top <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), from a leading edge (not labeled) toward the first curved connecting section. The first curved connecting section (not labeled) may curve slightly upward in a direction away from the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) and away from the first blade 518a, such that the intermediate section <NUM> extends in a direction away from the blade tip 518a-<NUM> of the first blade 518a and substantially perpendicular to the leading section <NUM>. The intermediate section <NUM> may comprise one or more curved portions. In the example shown in <FIG>, the intermediate section <NUM> may comprise a curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> connected to the first curved connecting section and defining an arc that curves in a direction away from the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> and then downward toward the bottom <NUM> of the cartridge housing (see <FIG>). The intermediate section <NUM> may comprise a portion extending between the curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the trailing section <NUM> that is generally planar. At least a portion of the curved and planar portions <NUM>-<NUM> of the intermediate section <NUM> may define a skin contacting surface. The trailing section <NUM> may be connected to the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM> via a second curved connecting section (not labeled).

In <FIG>, a blade plane may be defined by a line (not shown; see lines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) extending tangent to the blade tips 518a-<NUM> and 518a-<NUM> of the respective blades 518a and 518b. An outer surface of the curved portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the intermediate section <NUM> may define a highest point of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be positioned between about <NUM> above the blade plane to about <NUM> below the blade plane, with a preferred position being at about <NUM> above the blade plane. The generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM> may also be positioned between about <NUM> above the blade plane to about <NUM> below the blade plane and may be lower than the highest point of the skin support element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the blade plane may be substantially coplanar with and/or parallel to a shaving plane (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>). At least a portion of the skin support element <NUM>, i.e., the generally planar portion of the intermediate section <NUM>, may extend substantially parallel to the blade plane and/or the shaving plane.

The leading part (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM> may be at least partially defined by the first curved connecting section, and the trailing part <NUM> may be at least partially defined by the trailing section <NUM>. The trailing section <NUM> may be substantially similar in structure to the trailing section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Because the leading section <NUM> is affixed to and extends substantially parallel to the surface of the blade support member 334a, at least a portion of the trailing section <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the leading section <NUM>. The trailing part <NUM> is spaced apart from, i.e., unattached to, the blade support member 534a to which the skin support element <NUM> is affixed. The trailing part <NUM> is also spaced apart from the blade tip 518b-<NUM> of the second blade 518b by a distance <NUM>, which may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> in <FIG>. A horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> (defined between the leading part and trailing part <NUM>) may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The horizontal length L<NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the distance <NUM> and greater than a length (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>) of the blade 518a. One or more parameters of the blade assemblies 532a and 532b and/or the skin support element <NUM> may be varied based on, for example, a number and/or spacing of the blade assemblies 532a and 532b, as described herein in detail.

<FIG> is a side view of first, second, and third blade assemblies 632a, 632b, and 632c, which may be substantially similar in structure to the first and second blade assemblies 32a and 32b in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Each blade assembly 632a, 632b, and 632c may comprise a respective blade 618a, 618b, and 618c and blade support member 634a, 634b, and 634c coupled to the respective blade 618a, 618b, and 618c, with each blade assembly 632a, 632b, and 632c being mounted to the cartridge housing <NUM> of the razor cartridge <NUM> (see <FIG>). The blade assemblies 632a to 632c may comprise leading and trailing blades and blade assemblies, as described herein. The blade assemblies 632a to 632c may be spaced apart from each other. A first interblade span (not labeled) may be defined between a blade tip (not labeled) of the first blade 618a and a blade tip (not labeled) of the second blade 618b, and a second interblade span (not labeled) may be defined between the blade tip of the second blade 618b and a blade tip (not labeled) of the third blade 618c, both of which may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The third blade assembly 632c may be adjacent to the cap <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), and a gap (not labeled) may be defined between the third blade assembly 632c and the cap <NUM>.

A skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be affixed to a respective one of the blade assemblies 632a, 632b, and 632c, and in particular, the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be affixed to, and extend widthwise along, at least a portion of a back surface (not labeled) of a respective one of the blade support members 634a, 634b, and 634c. The first blade support member 634a may comprise a leading blade support member. The skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend past the blade support members 634a to 634c to which the respective blades 618a to 618c are coupled and toward the blade tip of the adjacent blade assembly 632b and 632c or the cap <NUM>. The skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may each optionally comprise a plurality of openings (not visible), which may be substantially similar to the openings <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described herein.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the skin support element <NUM> may comprise a leading section <NUM> affixed to the blade support member 634a and comprising a leading part (not labeled); an intermediate section <NUM>; and a trailing section <NUM> comprising a trailing part (not labeled). The leading section <NUM> may extend substantially parallel to the surface of the blade support member 634a and may be connected to the intermediate section <NUM> via a first curved connecting section (not labeled). In particular, the leading section <NUM> may extend, in a direction from the bottom <NUM> to the top <NUM> of the cartridge housing <NUM> (see <FIG>), from a leading edge (not labeled) toward the first curved connecting section. The first curved connecting section curves away from the first blade 618a, such that the intermediate section <NUM> extends in a direction away from the blade tip of the first blade 618a and substantially perpendicular to the leading section <NUM>. The intermediate section <NUM> may be generally planar, and at least a portion of the first curved connecting section and the intermediate section <NUM> may define a skin contacting surface. The trailing section <NUM> may be connected to the intermediate section <NUM> via a second curved connecting section (not labeled).

In <FIG>, a blade plane may be defined by a line (not shown) extending tangent to the blade tips of respective ones of the first and second blades 618a and 618b. A blade plane (not shown) may similarly be defined for the second and third blades 618b and 618c. With reference to the skin support element <NUM>, a highest point (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM>, which may be located along at least a portion of an outer surface of the generally planar intermediate section <NUM>, may be positioned between about <NUM> above the blade plane to about <NUM> below the blade plane, with a preferred position being at about <NUM> above the blade plane. In some examples, the blade plane may be substantially coplanar with and/or parallel to a shaving plane (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>). At least a portion of the skin support element <NUM>, i.e., the generally planar intermediate section <NUM>, may extend substantially parallel to the blade plane and/or the shaving plane.

The leading part (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM> may be at least partially defined by the leading section <NUM>, and the trailing part may be at least partially defined by the trailing section <NUM>. The trailing section <NUM> may be substantially similar in structure to the trailing section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Because the leading section <NUM> is affixed to and extends substantially parallel to the surface of the blade support member 634a, at least a portion of the trailing section <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the leading section <NUM>. The trailing part is spaced apart from, i.e., unattached to, the blade support member 634a to which the skin support element <NUM> is affixed. The trailing part is also spaced apart from the blade tip of the second blade 618b by a distance (not labeled), which may be substantially similar to the distance <NUM> in <FIG>. A horizontal length (not labeled; defined between the leading and trailing parts) of the skin support element <NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The horizontal length of the skin support element <NUM> may be greater than the distance between the trailing part and the blade tip of the second blade 618b and greater than a length (not labeled in <FIG>; see <FIG>) of the blade 618a.

The skin support element <NUM> may be substantially similar in structure to the skin support element <NUM>. The skin support element <NUM> may be substantially similar in structure to the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM>, but similar to the skin support element <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a horizontal length (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM> may be reduced, as compared to the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM>, to avoid interference with the cap <NUM> (see <FIG>). In the illustrated example, the intermediate section (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM> is shortened. In other examples (not shown), the length of the skin support element <NUM> may be substantially similar to the length of the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM>. One or more parameters of the blade assemblies 632a to 632c and/or the skin support elements <NUM> to <NUM> may be varied based on, for example, a number and/or spacing of the blade assemblies 632a to 632c, as described herein in detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view of first and second blade assemblies 732a and 732b, which may be substantially similar in structure to the blade assemblies 332a and 332b in <FIG>. The first blade assembly 732a may have a skin support element <NUM> affixed to it, wherein the skin support element <NUM> comprises leading, intermediate, and trailing sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. A lubrication member <NUM> may be mounted to the skin support element <NUM> and may extend widthwise along at least a portion of the skin support element <NUM>. In particular, the intermediate section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> comprises one or more curved portions (not labeled; see <FIG> and the associated description), and the lubrication member <NUM> may be located within the first (downward) curved portion of the intermediate section <NUM>. A vertical height of an outer surface (not labeled) of the lubrication member <NUM> may be at or below a vertical height of the highest point on the first curved connecting section and/or a vertical height of the blade tip (not labeled) of a first blade 718a of the first blade assembly 732a (see <FIG>).

<FIG> is a side view of first, second, and third blade assemblies 832a, 832b, and 832c, which may be substantially similar in structure to the blade assemblies 432a to 432c in <FIG>. Each blade assembly 832a to 832c may have affixed thereto a respective skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and one or more of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may comprise a lubrication member. With reference to the first blade assembly 832a, the skin support element <NUM> may comprise leading, intermediate, and trailing sections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and a lubrication member 896a may be mounted to the skin support element <NUM>. In particular, the intermediate section <NUM> of the skin support element <NUM> may comprise one or more curved or sloped portions (not labeled; see <FIG> and the associated description), and the lubrication member 896a may be located within one of the curved or sloped portions of the intermediate section <NUM>. The skin support element <NUM>, which may comprise a structure that is substantially similar to the skin support element <NUM>, may comprise a lubrication member 896b that is located within one of the curved or sloped portions of the intermediate section (not labeled) of the skin support element <NUM>. A vertical height of an outer surface (not labeled) of the lubrication members 896a and 896b may be at or below a vertical height of the highest point on the first curved connecting section and/or a vertical height of the blade tip (not labeled) of a respective blade 818a and 818b (see <FIG>).

The lubrication members <NUM>, 896a, and 896b in <FIG> may be made using any suitable method, including extrusion, molding, and/or deposition, and may be mounted to the respective skin support element <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM> via any suitable means, including adhesive and/or a mechanical interlock, e.g., a snap fit between one or more tabs (not shown) extending outward from the lubrication member and corresponding optional openings (not shown) formed in the skin support element. The lubrication members <NUM>, 896a, and 896b may be used in place of, or in addition to, the lubrication member <NUM> in the cap <NUM> (see <FIG>).

As described herein, the skin support elements extend toward an adjacent structure, i.e., another blade assembly or the cap. 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'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 razor 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. In multi-bladed systems, a consecutive or trailing blade (i.e., a second blade) often engages the hair and cuts it before the hair is able to retract back into the skin, which 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. However, in razor cartridges with multiple, closely spaced blades, the interblade span between the blades may be small, and 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. In addition, the closely spaced blades may interfere with removal of shaving debris such as cut hair, excess shave prep, and soap from between the blade assemblies.

Blades that are spaced further apart may be less likely to engage the same hair in a single cutting episode and may therefore be less likely to exaggerate nerve stimulation and discomfort. It is believed, without being held to theory, that decreasing the likelihood of single hairs engaging with multiple blades during a cutting episode may reduce uncomfortable nerve stimulation and may also help prevent the hair from being cut too close or below the skin's surface, which may limit growing hair from re-entering the epidermis of the skin. However, as the razor is moved across the surface of the skin, blades with a greater interblade span may allow skin bulge, in which a small portion of the skin enters the gap between the blade assemblies and adjacent structures. Increased skin bulge can result in increased nicks, cuts, and overall discomfort. Thus, many factors must be balanced to obtain a design that achieves a close cut, while minimizing discomfort and damage to the skin.

With reference to the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM> extend toward the respective blade tips 18b-<NUM> and 18c-<NUM> of the adjacent blade assemblies 32b and 32c and across at least a portion of the distance between adjacent ones of the blade assemblies 32a to 32c, i.e., across at least a portion of the respective interblade spans S<NUM> and S<NUM> defined between the blade tips 18a-<NUM> to 18c-<NUM> of adjacent ones of the first, second, and third blades 18a to 18c. When present, the skin support element <NUM> extends toward the cap <NUM> and across at least a portion of the gap <NUM> defined between the third blade assembly 32c and the cap. The skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG> similarly extend toward either the respective blade tip of the adjacent blade assembly or toward the cap <NUM> and across at least a portion of the distance between the blade assemblies and an adjacent structure. In the examples shown, each skin support element may extend past the blade support member to which the skin support element is coupled, and the trailing part of each skin support element may be spaced apart from, i.e., unattached to, the blade support member to which the respective blade is coupled.

Because the skin support elements in accordance with the present disclosure extend across at least a portion of the distance between the blade assemblies and an adjacent structure, skin bulge may be minimized, even for blades with a relatively large interblade span, and the risk of hysteresis cutting of hairs may be reduced. In addition, with continued reference to the example shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM> may further help to establish proper shaving geometry by positioning the skin for optimal interaction with the blade tip of the next successive blade, which may help to prevent hair form being cut below the skin surface. The skin support elements in <FIG> may perform a similar function. Thus, the blade assemblies as disclosed herein may be spaced further apart and/or fewer blade assemblies may be used, while still maintaining comfort during shaving and decreasing the risk of nicks and cuts.

Without the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the risk of skin bulge between the blade tips 18a-<NUM> to 18c-<NUM> of the blades 18a to 18c may be increased. With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM> bridge a portion of the respective interblade span S<NUM> and S<NUM> and help to smooth the transition between the blades 18a to 18c. In particular, the skin support elements <NUM> and <NUM> help to support the skin as the blades 18a to 18c move across the surface of the skin and minimize skin bulge, pulling, tugging, pressure, and other uncomfortable sensations. Because the last blade assembly 32c in <FIG> and <FIG> is adjacent to the cap <NUM>, the last blade assembly 32c may comprise a shortened skin support element <NUM> as shown, or may lack a skin support element, as described herein (see <FIG>, for example). However, skin bulge may still occur if skin enters the gap <NUM> between the last blade assembly 32c and the cap <NUM>, and while nicks or cuts are less likely to occur because there is no successive blade, this skin bulge may still result in tugging and other uncomfortable sensations. Thus, when present, the skin support element <NUM> on the blade assembly 32c adjacent to the cap <NUM> may similarly serve to support the skin and prevent skin bulge.

With reference to the example shown in <FIG>, the interblade span S<NUM> between the blade tips of the blades 118a and 118b may be larger than one or both of the interblade spans S<NUM> and S<NUM> defined between the blade tips 18a-<NUM> to 18a-<NUM> of adjacent ones of the blades 18a to 18c in <FIG>. Without the skin support element <NUM>, the risk of skin bulge would be significantly increased due to the larger interblade span S<NUM>. The skin support element <NUM> helps to bridge at least a portion of the interblade span S<NUM> and supports the skin as the blades 118a and 118b move across the surface of the skin to minimize skin bulge, pulling, etc. The skin support elements in <FIG> similarly help to support the skin and reduce skin bulge.

The position of the skin support element, with respect to the shaving plane and/or the blade plane, may be designed to determine the closeness and/or comfort of the shave. In general, positioning the skin contacting surface and/or highest point or surface of the skin support element below the shaving plane and/or the blade plane may lead to a closer shave, but comfort may be decreased for the reasons described herein. Positioning the skin contacting surface and/or highest point or surface of the skin support element above the shaving plane and/or the blade plane may lead to a more comfortable but less close shave. As described herein, the skin support elements may be positioned such that all or part of the portion(s) of the skin support element that define the skin contacting surface(s) are at, above, or below the shaving and/or the blade plane(s). For example, a highest point or surface of the skin support element may be positioned between about <NUM> above the blade plane to about <NUM> below the blade plane, with a preferred position being slightly above (about <NUM>) the blade plane to facilitate cutting the hair close to, but not below, the skin surface and to relieve some of the pressure of the blade tips on the skin. The position of the skin contacting surface and/or highest point or surface of the skin support element with respect to the shaving plane and/or the blade plane(s) may be varied during the cartridge design process by, for example, altering a vertical position of the blade support member within the blade slot, a position of the blade on the blade support member, a shape of the skin support element, and/or a height and/or radius of curvature of the curved sections/portions of the skin support element.

The trailing part of each skin support element may be spaced apart from an adjacent structure in a horizontal direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the blade plane, in which the adjacent structure may comprise another blade assembly or the cap. The distance between the trailing part of the skin support element and an adjacent structure may be a minimum of about <NUM> and up to about <NUM>. This distance may be varied during the cartridge design process as desired by increasing or decreasing the spacing between the blade assemblies and a respective adjacent structure. Alternatively, or in addition, the distance between the trailing part of each skin support element and an adjacent structure may be adjusted as desired by increasing or decreasing a horizontal length of the skin support element.

The skin support elements in accordance with the present disclosure may optionally comprise a plurality of openings that extend through a thickness of the respective skin support element. With reference to <FIG>, the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> each comprise respective openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> formed in and extending through the thickness T of the skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be completely enclosed, i.e., the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are spaced away from the leading edges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, trailing edges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and side edges (not labeled) of the respective skin support elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. As described herein, the skin support elements of <FIG> may similarly comprise a plurality of openings. Although only a single row of openings are shown, it is understood that the plurality of openings may comprise two or more rows of openings. The location, shape, and/or dimension of the openings may be controlled to create access holes for connecting the skin support element to the blade, e.g., by laser welding, adhesive, or other suitable technique.

Because the skin support elements extend across at least a portion of rinse channels formed between adjacent ones of the blade assemblies and/or across at least a portion of a gap between the blade assemblies and an adjacent structure such as the cap, providing one or more openings aids in the removal of shaving debris. The openings may comprise rinse slots that are in fluid communication with respective ones of the rinse channels formed between adjacent ones of the blade assemblies and the gap defined between the last blade assembly and the cap. Without the openings, cut hair, excess shave prep and/or soap, and other shaving debris is able to enter the rinse channels/gap only via the relatively small space between the trailing part of the skin support element and the adjacent structure, which may cause the shaving debris to accumulate on top of the skin support elements and/or blades. The openings allow the shaving debris, along with liquid (e.g., water), to pass through the skin support elements and into the rinse channels/gap, such that the shaving debris may be rinsed out and cleared from the razor cartridge.

Claim 1:
A razor cartridge (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a trailing blade assembly (32b, 132b, 232b, 332b, 432b, 532b, 632b, 732b, 832b) mounted to the housing, the trailing blade assembly comprising a trailing blade (18b) with a blade tip (18b-l);
a leading blade assembly (32a, 132a, 232a, 332a, 432a, 532a, 632a, 732a, 832a) mounted to the housing in front of the trailing blade assembly, the leading blade assembly comprising a leading blade (18a) with a blade tip (18a- <NUM>); and
a skin support element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) affixed to the leading blade assembly and extending towards the blade tip of the trailing blade assembly, wherein a horizontal length (LI) of the skin support element is greater than a distance from a trailing part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the skin support element to the blade tip of the trailing blade assembly (18b-l), characterized in that
an interblade span (Si) is defined between the blade tip (18a-l) of the leading blade (18a) and the blade tip (18b- <NUM>) of the trailing blade (18b) and the interblade span (Si) is between <NUM> and <NUM>.