Patent Publication Number: US-11019905-B2

Title: Comb cleaning adapter and methods of use thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure is directed in general to a comb cleaning adaptor. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to an adapter configured be reversibly coupled to a comb and reciprocally articulate a cleaning head along the comb&#39;s teeth. 
     Cleaning of various combs is an important step in maintaining health and wellbeing. For example, removal of the dirt or the like adjacent the roots or bases of a hair comb&#39;s teeth, the point of accumulation and the chief source of infection. 
     Likewise, head lice infest hair. Once in hair, the head lice lay eggs which are known as nits. The nits are small greyish-white oval-shaped eggs glued at an angle to the side of a hair shaft. Head lice are mainly transmitted by head-to-head contact but can also be spread through the sharing of personal articles. Whether or not using chemical treatment, all of the nits (lice eggs) and lice must be manually removed from the head. This manual removal is typically done with a lice comb having multiple, closely spaced tines which will remove the lice and nits as it passes through hair. It is important that nit and/or lice combs be cleaned consistently and thoroughly between successive combings and certainly between users, so that lice and nits are not spread. 
     Therefore there is a need for an adapter for combs such as lice combs that can be used to consistently and effectively clean the full length of the comb&#39;s teeth or tines. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, provided herein is a comb cleaning adapter, the adapter configured to reversibly operate between a retracted position and an expanded position, the adapter comprising: a platform having a distal end and a proximal end, configured to receive and engage a portion of a comb, wherein the comb having a head portion and a plurality of elongated teeth extending from the head portion to a given length; an articulating lever having an anterior end and a posterior end, hingedly coupled at the anterior end to the platform&#39;s proximal end, the articulating slab configured to rotate at a predetermined arc relative to the platform; and a cleaning head operably coupled to the articulating lever slab, and slidably coupled to the platform, wherein the cleaning head configured to frictionally slidably couple to the plurality of elongated teeth of the comb, wherein rotation of the articulating lever along the predetermined arc is configured to articulate the cleaning head proximally along the plurality of the comb&#39;s teeth. 
     In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of cleaning a comb, implementable with the adapter described herein, comprising: Providing a comb; rotating the articulating lever to an extended position; engaging the comb and the platform; retracting the articulating lever; combing; and rotating the articulating lever to an extended position, thereby articulating the cleaning head proximally along the plurality of elongated comb teeth, thereby cleaning the plurality of elongated comb teeth. 
     Further, provided herein is a method of rapidly and positively detecting the presence of lice, nits and/or dandruff, implementable with the adapter described herein, comprising: Providing a comb, whether integrated into the cleaning adapter or separate; rotating the articulating lever slab to an extended position; optionally engaging the comb (if separate from the adapter) and the platform; retracting the articulating lever slab; combing a scalp or area of interest; rotating the articulating lever to a fully extended position, thereby articulating the cleaning head proximally along the plurality of elongated comb teeth; and inspecting the cleaning head face for presence of lice, nits and/or dandruff. 
     In an embodiment, provided herein is an integrated comb cleaning adapter comprising: a platform having a distal end and a proximal end, having a plurality of elongated teeth extending from the distal end to a given length; an articulating lever slab having an anterior end and a posterior end, hingedly coupled at the anterior end to the platform&#39;s proximal end, the articulating lever slab configured to rotate at a predetermined arc relative to the platform; and a cleaning head operably coupled to the articulating lever slab, and slidably coupled to the platform, wherein the cleaning head configured to frictionally slidably couple to the plurality of elongated teeth, wherein rotation of the articulating lever slab along the predetermined arc is configured to articulate the cleaning head proximally along the plurality of teeth. 
     In yet another embodiment, provided herein is a kit of parts capable of being assembled into a comb cleaning adapter, the adapter configured to reversibly operate between a retracted position and an expanded position, comprising: a platform having a distal end and a proximal end, configured to receive and engage a portion of a comb, wherein the comb having a head portion and a plurality of elongated teeth extending from the head portion to a given length; an articulating lever having an anterior end and a posterior end, hingedly coupled at the anterior end to the platform&#39;s proximal end, the articulating slab configured to rotate at a predetermined arc relative to the platform; and a cleaning head operably coupled to the articulating lever slab, and slidably coupled to the platform, wherein the cleaning head configured to frictionally slidably couple to the plurality of elongated teeth of the comb, wherein rotation of the articulating lever along the predetermined arc is configured to articulate the cleaning head proximally along the plurality of the comb&#39;s teeth. 
     These and other features of the articulating comb cleaning adapter, methods of use and kits described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawings, which are exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the articulating comb cleaning adapter described herein, with regard to the devices, methods and kits embodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout and in which: 
         FIG. 1 , illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter in its retracted state; 
         FIG. 2A , is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter in a semi expanded state, with a rear perspective illustrated in  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 3A , is top perspective view of the base platform, with a front view of the platform illustrated in  FIG. 3B ; 
         FIG. 4A , is top front perspective of the articulating lever with front elevation view illustrated in  FIG. 4B , side elevation view illustrated in  FIG. 4C  and a bottom perspective view illustrated in  FIG. 4D ; 
         FIG. 5A , is a front perspective view from the internal side of one of the pair of articulating arms, with the internal side elevation view illustrated in  FIG. 5B  and the external side elevation view illustrated in  FIG. 5C , the other articulating arm being a mirror image of  FIGS. 5A-5C ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a rear perspective view of the cleaning head, with a front view illustrated in  FIG. 6B ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top front perspective view of the elastomeric insert sleeve; 
         FIG. 8A  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter in its extended state, with the rear perspective view thereof illustrated in  FIG. 8B  and bottom plan view thereof illustrated in  FIG. 8C ; 
         FIG. 9 , illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter integrated with a comb; 
         FIG. 10 , illustrates a perspective view of the body portion of the adapter integrated with the body portion shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11 , illustrates a perspective view of the cleaning head used with the body portion of the adapter integrated with the body portion shown in  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 12 , illustrates elevation view of an embodiment of the comb teeth. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Provided herein are embodiments of a cleaning adapter for a comb, kits capable of being assembled to form the comb adapters described and methods of use of the adapter. In another embodiment, provided herein are adapters configured be reversibly coupled to a variety of combs, lice combs, pitchforks etc., and reciprocally articulate a cleaning head back and forth along the comb&#39;s teeth. Likewise, provided are 
     A more complete understanding of the components, methods, adapters, kits capable of being assembled to form the comb adapters described and devices disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures (also referred to herein as “FIG.”) are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof, their relative size relationship and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1, 2A-2B and 8A , illustrating an embodiment of comb cleaning adapter  10 , adapter  10  configured to reversibly operate between a retracted position (see e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) and expanded position (see e.g.,  FIG. 8A ), adapter  10  comprising: platform  100  having distal end  152  and proximal end  151  (see e.g.,  FIG. 2A ), configured to receive and engage a portion of comb  500 , wherein comb  500  having head portion  501  and plurality of elongated teeth  502   j  extending from head portion  501  to a given length. Also shown is articulating lever slab  200  having anterior end  251  and posterior end  252 , hingedly coupled at anterior end  251  to platform  100  proximal end  151 , where articulating slab  200  configured to rotate at a predetermined arc relative to platform  100 . Also shown is cleaning head  300  operably coupled to articulating lever slab  200 , and slidably coupled to platform  100 , wherein cleaning head  300  can be configured to frictionally and slidably couple to plurality of elongated teeth  502   j  of comb  500 , wherein rotation of articulating lever slab  200  along the predetermined arc is configured to articulate cleaning head  300  proximally along plurality of the comb  500  teeth  502   j . 
     The term “coupled”, including its various forms such as “operably coupling”, “coupling” or “couplable”, refers to and comprises any direct or indirect, structural coupling, connection or attachment, or adaptation or capability for such a direct or indirect structural or operational coupling, connection or attachment, including integrally formed components and components which are coupled via or through another component or by the forming process. Indirect coupling may involve coupling through an intermediary member or adhesive, or abutting and otherwise resting against, whether frictionally or by separate means without any physical connection. 
     In addition, the term “slidably” or “slidably coupled” refers to movement of one surface (for example cleaning head  300 ) over a second surface (for example, platform  100 ) while maintaining smooth continuous contact between the two surfaces. In another embodiment, the term “slidably coupled” means a state in which two or more components are coupled to one another such that at least one of the components (e.g., cleaning head  300 ) at least slides with respect to another component (e.g., platform  100 ). Likewise; the terms “slide,” “slid” or “sliding” are defined as moving, gliding or passing along or through a surface or a space, although continuous contact at each point along the path is not necessarily required. 
     The term “engage” and various forms thereof, when used with reference to, for example, retention of a portion of comb  500 , refer to the application of any forces that tend to hold the a portion of comb  500  and platform  100  together against inadvertent or undesired separating forces (e.g., such as may be introduced during use of the adapter). It is to be understood, however, that engagement does not in all cases require an interlocking connection that is maintained against every conceivable type or magnitude of separating force. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1 to 3B , platform  100  used in comb cleaning adapter  10  further comprising: stage  102  disposed centrally along proximal end  151  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3A ) of platform  100 , with stage  102  defining opening  120  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3A, 3B ), configured to accommodate and engage head portion  501  of comb  500  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3A ). Also illustrated in  FIG. 3B , is pocket  130  disposed in platform  100  base  101 , pocket  130  configured to engage and slidably couple to a portion of cleaning head  300  such as elongated slab  340  (see e.g.,  FIG. 6A, 8C ). 
     In addition, platform  100  further comprising pair of vertical members  110 ,  111  disposed at equidistance from stage  102  along proximal end  151  of platform  100 , each vertical member  110 ,  111  defining recess  121 ,  122 , each recess  121 ,  122  configured to receive a portion of articulating slab  200 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , pocket  130  can further comprise a pair of stoppers  131 ,  132 , configured to reversibly engage tabs  346 ,  347 , disposed at the distal end of elongated slab  340  (see e.g.,  FIG. 6A ), thereby limiting the rotation of articulating lever slab  200  such that cleaning head  300  does not disengage from plurality of comb teeth  502   j . As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , vertical members  110 ,  111 , can each further define apertures  105 ,  106 , configured to receive hinge pins  205 ,  206  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4B ) and be used to hingedly couple articulating lever slab  200  to platform  100  (see e.g.,  FIG. 2B ). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1 to 4D , illustrating articulating lever slab  200  having apical side  250  and basal side  255  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4C ), with anterior end  251  and posterior end  252  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4A ), further comprising cross bar  254  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4D, 8B ) disposed toward anterior end  251  of articulating lever slab  200 . Cross bar  254  can be used to further interlock with head portion  501  of comb  500  in the retracted state (see e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). Also shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D  are a pair of braces disposed on opposite sides along anterior end  251  and extending basally from basal side  255  and anteriorly from anterior end  251 . As illustrated, each brace comprises: internal wall  202 ,  204  extending basally from basal side  255  of articulating lever slab  200 ; floor section  261 ,  262 ; and external wall  201 ,  203  together ( 202 - 261 - 201  and  204 - 262 - 203  respectively) forming an open U-shaped channel (see e.g.,  FIG. 4B ), wherein each of recesses  121 ,  122  defined by pair of vertical members  110 ,  111  and stage  102  disposed on platform  100  base  101 , can be configured to accommodate and hingedly couple to each of the braces formed by internal wall  202 ,  204  extending basally from basal side  255  of articulating lever slab  200 ; floor section  261 ,  262 ; and external wall  201 ,  203  together ( 202 - 261 - 201  and  204 - 262 - 203  respectively). Also shown in  FIGS. 4B, 4D , are hinge pins  205 ,  206 , extending outward from external brace walls  201 ,  203  respectively. Hinge pins  205 ,  206  can be engaged in apertures  105 ,  106  defined in vertical members  110 ,  111  respectively. 
     In an embodiment, the term “accommodate” refers to the ability of an accommodating element (e.g., each of recesses  121 ,  122  defined by pair of vertical members  110 ,  111  and stage  102  disposed on platform  100  base  101 ) to allow passage or retention of another element (e.g., the braces formed by internal wall  202 ,  204  extending basally from basal side  255  of articulating lever slab  200 ; floor section  261 ,  262 ; and external wall  201 ,  203  together ( 202 - 261 - 201  and  204 - 262 - 203  respectively)) at close tolerance, without substantial space for other elements or components. As illustrated the width (W 121 , W 122 ) of recesses  121 ,  122  respectively, (see e.g.,  FIG. 3B ), can be configured to accommodate width W 261 , W 262  respectively (see e.g.,  FIG. 4B, 2A, 8A ). As further illustrated in  FIG. 4C  internal walls  202 ,  204 ; and external walls  201 ,  203  have a beveled posterior facet  212  ( 212 ′),  217  ( 217 ′) and a basally rounded edge  211  ( 211 ′) and  214  ( 214 ′) for the external (and internal) walls. Basally rounded edge  211  ( 211 ′) and  214  ( 214 ′) are configured to be received within recesses  121  and  122  respectively. 
     As illustrated (see e.g.,  FIGS. 3C, 3D, 8B ), articulating lever slab  200  further comprises a pair of knuckles  265 ,  266  defining bores  215 ,  216  respectively, disposed toward posterior end  252  of articulating lever slab  200 , each of knuckles  265 ,  266  configured to hingedly couple to distal portion  452  of articulating arm  400  (see e.g.,  FIG. 5A, 8B ). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-7 , whereby cleaning head  300  (see e.g.,  FIG. 6A ) comprises upper surface  301  and lower surface  302 , proximal end  351  and distal end  352 , cleaning head  300  defines aperture  320  configured to receive and engage elastomeric insert  600 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6A, 6B , cleaning head  300  further comprises elongated slab  340  extending distally from lower surface  302  of cleaning head  300 , whereby elongated slab  340  further comprises pair of resilient extensions  341 ,  342 , each resilient extension terminating in tab  346 ,  347  respectively and forming groove  343 ,  344  respectively with elongated slab  340 , with tabs  346 ,  347  configured to be engaged and elongated slab  340  being slidably coupled within pocket  130  in base  101  of platform  100 . In an embodiment, elongated slab  340  extending distally from lower surface  302  of cleaning head  300  can be configured to limit the arc of rotation of articulating lever slab  200  and limit the proximal movement of cleaning head  300  along plurality of elongated comb teeth  502   j  (see e.g.,  FIG. 8B, 8C ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 7 , the insert is elastomeric sleeve  600  having wall  601  defining slit  620  with plurality of opposing protrusions  610   i  configured to frictionally slidably couple to plurality of elongated comb teeth  502   j . The term “elastomer,” as used herein, refers to any polymer or combination of polymers consistent with the ASTM D1566 definition of “a material that is capable of recovering from large deformations, for example, carboxylated nitrile elastomers, acrylic elastomers, carboxylated polybutadienes, grafted ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymers, epichlorohydrin elastomers or mixtures of these polymers with the same elastomers but ungrafted, such as nitrile rubbers, hydrogenated nitriles, polybutadienes and ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymers, by themselves or mixed and an elastomer combination comprising one or more of the foregoing. 
     Also illustrated in  FIGS. 6A, 6B , are pair of grooves  303 ,  304  cut into front facet  330  of cleaning head  300  and disposed on opposite sides along proximal end  351  (see e.g.,  FIG. 6A ) of cleaning head  300 , wherein each of grooves  303 ,  304  can further define bores  305 ,  305 ′ and  306 ,  306 ′ configured to receive and engage a hinge pin (not shown) and hingedly couple to proximal portion of articulating arms  401  and  402  respectively. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 5A-5C, and 8A-8C , illustrating adapter  10  further comprising pair of articulating arms  401 ,  402  (See e.g.,  FIG. 1 ), wherein each articulating arm  401 ,  402  having a proximal end  451  hingedly coupled to cleaning head  300  (e.g., at grooves  303 ,  304 ) and distal end  452  hingedly coupled to knuckles  265 ,  266  (respectively) disposed on basal side  255  of articulating lever slab  200  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4D, 8B ). As illustrated further (see e.g.,  FIG. 5A ), each of articulating arms  401 ,  402  (being a mirror image of articulating arm  401  illustrated in  FIG. 5A-5C ) has internal side  432  and external side  431 , as well as an upper surface  421  and a lower surface  422 , with hinge pin  405  (which can be a detent in another embodiment) being disposed toward distal end  452 , extending outwardly from internal side  432 , wherein each of hinge pins  405 ,  406  (not shown) being configured to rotatably couple to each of knuckles  265 ,  266  disposed on basal side  255  toward posterior end  252  of articulating lever  200  (see e.g.,  FIG. 8B ). 
     As used within this disclosure, the term “detent” refers to a member providing resistance to moving a moving element (e.g., hinge pin  405 ) away from a particular position until at least a certain amount of force or torque is applied to the moving element, whereupon the moving element is permitted to move away from that particular position (e.g., engaged in knuckle  415 ). The certain amount of force is less than the amount of force or torque that will cause damage or breakage to any element associated with the detent function. The certain amount of force is greater than an amount of force that may be generated by activities not intended to move the moving element. In an embodiment adapter  10  is configured to disengage the various parts without damaging any parts, thus allowing to remove and/or replace comb  500  as needed. Comb  500  can be, for example a lice comb. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1 and 8A-8C , illustrating an embodiment whereby, in the retracted position (see e.g.,  FIG. 1 ), a portion of each of articulating arms  401 ,  402  is accommodated within each of the open U-shaped channel of each brace formed by internal wall  202 ,  204  extending basally from basal side  255  of articulating lever slab  200 ; floor section  261 ,  262 ; and external wall  201 ,  203  together ( 202 - 261 - 201  and  204 - 262 - 203  respectively) on articulating lever slab  200 , such that lower surface  422  of articulating arm  401 ,  402  abuts floor sections  261 ,  262  respectively. 
     In an embodiment, the methods described herein and illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 8A-8C  can utilize the adapters described hereinabove. Accordingly and in an embodiment, provided herein is a method of cleaning comb  500 , implementable with adapter  10  described herein, comprising: providing comb  500 ; rotating articulating lever slab  200  to an extended position thereby exposing opening  120  defined in stage  102  on base  101  of platform  100 ; engaging comb  500  and platform  100 ; retracting articulating lever slab  200 ; combing; and rotating articulating lever slab  200  to an extended position as can be limited by for example, elongated slab  340 , thereby causing proximal end  451  of articulating arms  401 ,  402  to move proximally within grooves  303 ,  304  respectively of cleaning head  300  and articulating cleaning head  300  proximally along plurality of elongated comb teeth  502   j , causing elastomeric sleeve  600  to frictionally slide wipe comb  500  and thereby cleaning plurality of elongated comb teeth  502   j . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , illustrating a perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter integrated with a comb. In other words, the comb teeth are integrated with the platform and are operably coupled to the stage. Accordingly and as illustrated, platform  100  used in the integrated cleaning adapter  900  can be adapted to comprise stage  102  disposed centrally along proximal end  151  (see e.g.,  FIG. 10 ) of platform  100 , with stage  102  defining opening  120  (see e.g.,  FIG. 10 ), configured to couple to plurality of teeth  502   i . Also illustrated in  FIG. 10 , is pocket  130  disposed in platform  100  base  101  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3A ), pocket  130  configured to engage and slidably couple to a portion of cleaning head  300  such as elongated slab  340  (see e.g.,  FIG. 11 ). As further illustrated, platform  100  further comprising pair of vertical members  110 ,  111  disposed at equidistance from stage  102  along proximal end  151  of platform  100 , each vertical member  110 ,  111  defining recess  121 ,  122 , each recess  121 ,  122  configured to receive a portion of articulating lever slab  200  (see e.g.,  FIG. 9 ). 
     Further illustrated in  FIG. 9 , is base cap  150 , configured to couple to the underside of platform  100  and form the bottom half of pocket  130 , for example by pair of tabs  159 ,  159 ′ (not shown) configured to operably couple to corresponding dimples in platform  100  (not shown. Base cap  150  can further comprise lip  160  configured to abut lip  157  defined on the underside of platform  100 . As illustrated, base cap  150  can define rails  154 ,  154 ′ configured to abut corresponding rails  141 ,  141 ′ (Not shown), thus forming stoppers  131   132  in pocket  130 . Coupling of base cap  150  to the underside of platform  100 , can be further facilitated by pair of screws  156   p , configured to couple to bolts  155   j , where screws  156   p  extend basally through pair of orifices  158   q , engaging bolts  155   j , for example, by friction, where bolts  155   j , can be accommodated and engaged in cups  159 ,  159 ′ disposed on base cap  150  and extending apically. It is noted, that the operation of the adapter is the same as disclosed herein for  FIG. 1  and where the comb is separate and distinct from the adapter. Other coupling methods are also contemplated, for example adhesion, fusion (melting/welding) for base cap  150  and the underside of platform  100 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , whereby cleaning head  300  comprises upper surface  301  and lower surface  302  (see e.g.,  FIG. 3A ), with cleaning head  300  defines aperture  320  defining series of holes  321   n , which may be formed by sharply undulating bottom half abutting complimentary undulating top half thus forming a series of parallel axes of curvature, configured to receive and slidably abut plurality of teeth  502   i . As used herein, the term ‘undulating’ refers to the shape imparted to a planar honeycomb panel in which a simple or complex undulating wave form is formed generally of one or more curvatures having axes of curvature which are generally parallel. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , cleaning head  300  further comprises elongated slab  340  extending distally from lower surface  302  of cleaning head  300 , whereby elongated slab  340  further comprises pair of resilient extensions  341 ,  342 , each resilient extension terminating in tab  346 ,  347  respectively and forming groove  343 ,  344  respectively with elongated slab  340 , with tabs  346 ,  347  configured to be engaged and elongated slab  340  being slidably coupled within pocket  130  in base  101  of platform  100 . 
     Cleaning head  300  used in integrated comb adapter  900  (and/or adapter  10 ), can be formed of a thermoplastic polymer composition having a static coefficient of friction (COF) against steel of between about 0.09 and about 0.30 and a dynamic coefficient of friction (COF) against steel of between about 0.23 to about 0.50, for example, poly(acetal) POM. In an embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer forming the cleaning head is a composition comprising poly(acetal) and poly(tetrafluoroethylene) at a ratio of between 9:1 and about 17:3. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 12 , illustrating i th  teeth of the plurality of teeth  502   i , whether on adapter  10  ( FIG. 1 ) or integrated adapter  900  ( FIGS. 9-11 ). As illustrated, unlike in the typical lice comb teeth configuration available, each i th  teeth of the plurality of teeth  502   i , is configured to have cylindrical base portion  503  having a diameter D 503  that is frictionally accommodated in the series of holes  321   n ; tapered mid portion  504 , terminating in a spheroidal tip  505  having tip radius R 505 , that forms a diameter that is smaller than base diameter D 503 . The configuration of the teeth described herein is adapted in an embodiment, to allow removal of dandruff, nits, and/or lice from face  330  of cleaning head  300  when in fully extended position, without forming a space between the teeth that will allow harboring of undesirable material, which may take place with a sharpened conical tip under currently available technology. Accordingly and in an embodiment, comp teeth  502   i  extending proximally from stage  102  in either adapter  10  or integrated adapter  900 , comprise cylindrical base portion  503  having a diameter D 503  that is frictionally accommodated in the series of holes  321   n ; tapered mid portion  504 , terminating in a spheroidal tip  505  having tip radius R 505 , that forms a diameter that is smaller than base diameter D 503 . 
     Further and in an embodiment, provided herein is a kit of parts capable of being assembled into a comb cleaning adapter, the adapter configured to reversibly operate between a retracted position and an expanded position, comprising: a platform having a distal end and a proximal end, configured to receive and engage a portion of a comb, wherein the comb having a head portion and a plurality of elongated teeth extending from the head portion to a given length; an articulating lever having an anterior end and a posterior end, hingedly coupled at the anterior end to the platform&#39;s proximal end, the articulating slab configured to rotate at a predetermined arc relative to the platform; and a cleaning head operably coupled to the articulating lever slab, and slidably coupled to the platform, wherein the cleaning head configured to frictionally slidably couple to the plurality of elongated teeth of the comb, wherein rotation of the articulating lever along the predetermined arc is configured to articulate the cleaning head proximally along the plurality of the comb&#39;s teeth. The comb can be a lice comb and the kit can further contain a container, for example a bottle or a canister with a composition configured to kill lice (louse), or prevent hatching of eggs (nits) or, generally to inhibit the life cycle of lice at any stage. The composition can be pediculicide such as, for example, Pyrethrins (e.g., synthetic pyrethroid such as phenothrin, permethrin, and mixtures thereof, and/or natural pyrethrin such as esters of Cinerin I, Cinerin II, Jasmolin I, Jasmolin II, Pyrethrin I, and Pyrethrin II and mixtures thereof), Piperonyl Butoxide, menthol, essential oregano oil, menthol oil, anise oil, or a composition comprising one or more of the foregoing. The composition can be aerosolized, liquid, ointment, shampoo and any other proper distribution vehicle for the composition. Furthermore, the composition can be a suspension, solution, emulsion, foam, gel and the like suspended system. 
     All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. “Combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denote one element from another. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The suffix “(s)” as used herein is intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., the arm(s) includes one or more arm). Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “an embodiment”, and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/or characteristic) described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments. 
     Moreover, “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. 
     Also, the terms “member” or “element” when used in the singular refers to a single integrated part that moves as a unit and does not include a plurality of parts with independent and separate movement between. In other words, as used herein, the terms “member” or “element” can be made of several pieces to foam an integral unit, but does not include two or more parts with a first part that moves relative to a second part. As used herein to describe the present invention, the following directional terms “anterior”, “posterior”, “apical”, “basal”, “forward”, “rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” “longitudinal” “lateral” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of the various members or elements relative to a flat horizontal surface. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present disclosure should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle pedal as used in the normal riding position on a flat horizontal surface. 
     While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended, are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.