Abstract: A handle for a safety razor having a razor cartridge connected to the handle has a first and second arm connected at one end in a general U or V shape. Each arm terminates in pivotal support structure for the razor cartridge. A top cover and a bottom cover both extend inwardly of a head end region of a respective one of the arms. The cover, in combination with the head end regions at least partially enclose structures that both interconnect the head end regions to define a primed-condition predetermined dimension (W) across the pivotal support structures, and permit the head end regions to be guidedly flexed together upon application of finger pressure to the head end regions. A biasing member is integrally formed with one of the arms and a terminal lead-in portion of the biasing member is received in an aperture of the other arm.

Abstract: A method of applying a lubricious coating of a material such as a fluoropolymer to a cutting edge of a blade includes providing the blade having the cutting edge including a tip end, a first facet, and a second facet with the first facet and the second facet adjacent the tip end. The method further includes generating a plasma stream and directing the plasma stream towards the cutting edge. The method further includes introducing a fluid stream containing a dispersion including the fluoropolymer into the plasma stream, thereby simultaneously plasma treating the cutting edge and depositing solids of the dispersion onto the cutting edge.

Abstract: A razor cartridge has a housing with a blade mounting region between a guard and a cap. A first and a second razor blade are sequentially mounted in the blade mounting region with an intermediate non-cutting and skin engaging structure between the blades. The intermediate structure has a leading edge region closest the guard and at or adjacent a skin engaging surface of the intermediate structure. The leading edge region of the intermediate structure has an elastomeric linear seal contacting the first razor blade to seal any gap between the intermediate structure and the first blade.

Abstract: A method for making a bent razor blade is disclosed. The method includes: providing an elongated strip of stainless steel that can be 0.076 mm thick; hardening the strip; providing a cutting edge along an edge of the strip and providing coating(s) on the cutting edge. The stainless steel has a carbon content less than 0.60% and preferably between 0.45% and 0.55% by weight. The strip is separated lengthwise into discrete razor blades. The bent portion of the razor blade is then formed using a swivel bending process.

Abstract: A method for making a bent razor blade is disclosed. The method includes: providing an elongated strip of stainless steel that can be 0.076 mm thick; hardening the strip; providing a cutting edge along an edge of the strip and providing coating(s) on the cutting edge. The stainless steel has a carbon content less than 0.60% and preferably between 0.45% and 0.55% by weight. The strip is separated lengthwise into discrete razor blades. The bent portion of the razor blade is then formed using a swivel bending process.

Abstract: A method for making a bent razor blade is disclosed. The method includes: providing an elongated strip of stainless steel that can be 0.076 mm thick; hardening the strip; providing a cutting edge along an edge of the strip and providing coating(s) on the cutting edge. The stainless steel has a carbon content less than 0.60% and preferably between 0.45% and 0.55% by weight. The strip is separated lengthwise into discrete razor blades. The bent portion of the razor blade is then formed using a swivel bending process.

Abstract: A method of making a razor cartridge is provided. A housing of the razor cartridge has an elongated body having, integrally formed, a guard, a cap and an interior wall extending between the guard and the cap close to an end of the elongated body. An exterior wall extends outwardly of the interior wall and is joined to the interior wall by a film hinge. A portion of a body of a razor blade is positioned in a slot of the interior wall. The exterior wall is folded about the film hinge so that a lip of the exterior wall overlays an end portion of the cutting edge of the razor blade to secure to razor blade within the housing. The exterior wall is additionally secured to the elongated body. A razor cartridge is thus provided.

Abstract: A method for making a razor blade having a bent portion is disclosed. The method includes: providing an elongated strip of stainless steel that can be 0.076 mm thick; hardening the strip; providing a cutting edge along an edge of the strip and providing coating(s) on the cutting edge. The stainless steel has a carbon content preferably between 0.45% and 0.55% by weight. The strip is separated lengthwise into discrete razor blades. The bent portion of the razor blade is then formed using a swivel bending process. When the razor blade is bent to define an included angle of 90 degrees between planar regions adjacent the bent portion and an inner surface having a radius about 0.3-0.35 mm, the outer surface of the bent portion is free from macro-cracks.

Abstract: A razor cartridge is provided with a skin engaging structure at the cap and/or guard surface of the razor cartridge. The skin engaging structure has an array of closely spaced elongated protrusions integrally formed with a substrate. In use, the protrusions produce a pleasant tactile sensation tending to reduce shaving discomfort. The protrusions are formed by closely packed molded flexible filaments that can be less than 0.25 mm wide and have spacing between adjacent protrusions less than 0.2 mm. The protrusions can have a density greater than 5 protrusions per mm2. The skin engaging structure can be molded from e.g. an olefin polymer. The substrate can be integrally formed with a housing of the razor cartridge.

Abstract: A method for making a razor blade having a bent portion is disclosed. The method includes: providing an elongated strip of stainless steel that can be 0.076 mm thick; hardening the strip; providing a cutting edge along an edge of the strip and providing coating(s) on the cutting edge. The stainless steel has a carbon content preferably between 0.45% and 0.55% by weight. The strip is separated lengthwise into discrete razor blades. The bent portion of the razor blade is then formed using a swivel bending process. When the razor blade is bent to define an included angle of 90 degrees between planar regions adjacent the bent portion and an inner surface having a radius about 0.3-0.35 mm, the outer surface of the bent portion is free from macro-cracks.

Abstract: The present invention is a razor blade carrier having a base with at least two stepped protrusion extending outwardly therefrom. The stepped protrusion define at least two landing positions that support a portion of the razor blade. The landing surfaces of the stepped protrusions cooperate to define at least two razor blade locations. The razor blade carrier is used in a razor cartridge.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a razor cartridge includes an outer shell, and a support structure. The outer shell defines a primary blade opening and a trimming blade opening. The support assembly is located at least partially inside the outer shell and includes at least one primary blade slot and a trim blade slot. A primary blade is located within each of the primary blade slots in the support assembly such that a cutting edge on the primary blade extends through the primary blade opening in the outer shell. A trim blade is located within the trim blade slot in the support structure such that a cutting edge on the trim blade extends through the trim blade opening in the outer shell.

Abstract: A razor cartridge is provided with a skin engaging structure at the cap and/or guard surface of the razor cartridge. The skin engaging structure has an array of closely spaced elongated protrusions integrally formed with a substrate. In use, the protrusions produce a pleasant tactile sensation tending to reduce shaving discomfort. The protrusions are formed by closely packed molded flexible filaments that can be less than 0.25 mm wide and have spacing between adjacent protrusions less than 0.2 mm. The protrusions can have a density greater than 5 protrusions per mm2. The skin engaging structure can be molded from e.g. an olefin polymer. The substrate can be integrally formed with a housing of the razor cartridge.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a dispenser for one or more razor cartridges includes a base, two side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, a first divider, a second divider, a cover, and a side spring. The first divider is located between the front wall and the rear wall. The second divider is located between the first divider and the front wall, forming a chamber between the second divider and the first divider. The chamber is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a razor cartridge. The cover extends partially over the chamber between the first divider and second divider, and is sized to provide an opening through which the razor cartridge can be inserted into the chamber. The side spring extends widthwise into the chamber. The cover and the side spring frictionally engage the razor cartridge when inserted into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a razor blade carrier having a base with at least two stepped protrusion extending outwardly therefrom. The stepped protrusion define at least two landing positions that support a portion of the razor blade. The landing surfaces of the stepped protrusions cooperate to define at least two razor blade locations. The razor blade carrier is used in a razor cartridge.

Abstract: A razor blade is provided that includes a substrate with a cutting edge defined by a sharpened tip and an adjacent facet, a layer of titanium containing material on the cutting edge, a layer of hard carbon material on the titanium containing layer, and an outer layer of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: Compositions that are useful in imparting lubricity to the cutting edge of razor blades, razor blades provided with an improved outer coating layer on the sharpened tip, a method of making said improved razor blade and a shaving razor comprising said improved razor blade are disclosed.