Heating system for transdermally delivered materials

Abstract

In one example, a heating system is provided that is suitable for use with materials for topical application and/or transdermal delivery to a subject. The heating system includes a heating element and a container. The container includes a container body configured to enclose a portion of the heating element when the heating element is engaged with the container body, and the container further includes a removable lid configured to be attached to the container body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A heating system suitable for use with materials for topical application and/or transdermal delivery to a subject, the heating system comprising:
 a heating element; and   a container, comprising:
 a container body defining an interior volume and configured to enclose a portion of the heating element when the heating element is received within the container body; and 
 a removable lid configured to be attached to the container body. 
   
     
     
         2 . The heating system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the container body encloses a substantial portion of the heating element when the heating element is engaged with the container body. 
     
     
         3 . The heating system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the container body includes an outer wall within which a recess is defined that is configured to receive a portion of the heating element. 
     
     
         4 . The heating system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the heating element is asymmetric about its vertical axis. 
     
     
         5 . The heating system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the heating element and container body fit together in a male-female relation. 
     
     
         6 . The heating system as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the heating element has a male form and the container body has a corresponding female form. 
     
     
         7 . The heating system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the container is a consumable item. 
     
     
         8 . The heating system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the heating element is connected to the removable lid. 
     
     
         9 . The heating system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the container is a dispensing container that includes a pump operable, when material is present in the container body, to dispense the material from the container. 
     
     
         10 . The heating system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the heating element is operable to be activated and/or deactivated in response to exertion of a downward force on the lid. 
     
     
         11 . A heating system suitable for use with materials for topical application and/or transdermal delivery to a subject, the heating system comprising:
 a heating element;   a container, comprising:
 a container body defining an interior volume and configured to enclose a portion of the heating element when the heating element is engaged with the container body; and 
 a removable lid configured to be attached to the container body; 
   power circuitry connected to the heating element; and   control circuitry for operation of the heating element, wherein the control circuitry is connected with the power circuitry.   
     
     
         12 . The heating system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to include an activation switch that causes the heating element to be energized when a user presses down on the container. 
     
     
         13 . The heating system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the heating element and container body fit together in a male-female relation. 
     
     
         14 . The heating system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein in operation, the heating element is located outside of the container body. 
     
     
         15 . The heating system as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the container body includes an outer wall defining a recess that is configured to receive a portion of the heating element. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a heating system comprising:   a heating element; and   a container, comprising:
 a container body defining a volume and configured to enclose a portion of the heating element when the heating element is engaged with the container body, and the heating element and container body fit together in a male-female relation; and 
 a removable lid configured to be attached to the container body; and 
   a volume of material suitable for topical application and/or transdermal delivery to a subject, the volume being disposed in the container.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the container body includes an outer wall defining a recess that is configured to receive a portion of the heating element. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 16 , wherein in operation, the heating element is located outside of the container body. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising a volume of material disposed in the container body. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the volume of material disposed in the container body comprises one or more of a gel, lotion, cream, balm, ointment, or edible material.