AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM AND METHOD
An aerosol provision (AP) system includes an aerosol generator operable to generate an aerosolized payload; and a receptacle forming a partially enclosed central space for holding at least a portion of the generated aerosolized payload, wherein the aerosol generator includes an airflow generator adapted to draw air through the aerosol generator and into the enclosed central space of the receptacle; and the receptacle includes a first opening from which a user may inhale the aerosolized payload.
1 . An aerosol provision (AP) system, comprising:
an aerosol generator operable to generate an aerosolized payload; and
a receptacle forming a partially enclosed central space for holding at least a portion of the generated aerosolized payload,
wherein the aerosol generator is positioned inside the receptacle and comprises an airflow generator adapted to draw air through the aerosol generator and into the enclosed central space of the receptacle, and
the receptacle comprises a first opening from which a user may inhale the aerosolized payload.
2 . (canceled)
3 . The AP system of claim 1 , wherein a lower part of the receptacle comprises one or more air vents arranged to allow air to flow into one or more intake vents of the aerosol generator.
4 . The AP system of claim 1 , wherein the first opening comprises a lip that curves down towards the partially enclosed central space.
5 . The AP system of claim 1 , wherein the first opening comprises a straw and a top valve through which a user may inhale the aerosolized payload with the straw.
6 . The AP system of claim 5 , wherein the straw comprises a flavor insert comprising a flavored material in the form of one of a permeable plug, a gel, or an inner coating.
7 . The AP system of claim 5 , wherein the straw comprises an airflow restrictor.
8 . The AP system of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol generator comprises a heater and an e-liquid reservoir.
9 . The AP system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a base arranged to support the receptacle, wherein the base comprises:
a power source arranged in operation to electrically couple to the aerosol generator while the base is supporting the receptacle.
10 - 11 . (canceled)
12 . The AP system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a control unit for controlling activation of the aerosol generator, wherein the control unit activates the aerosol generator in one or more circumstances selected from the group consisting of:
a predetermined period of time elapsing;
the receptacle being picked up; and
the receptacle being put down.
13 . The AP system of claim 12 , further comprising:
a sensor for detecting whether or not the receptacle has been picked up.
14 . The AP system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a control unit arranged to activate the airflow generator without a corresponding activation of the aerosol generator.
15 . The AP of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises a first upper part, and a re-attachable second lower part.
16 . The AP of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is sized to be held in one hand.
17 . The AP system of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle comprises a plurality of openings through which the generated aerosolized payload may be inhaled.
18 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . A method of aerosol provision comprising:
generating an airflow using an airflow generator;
generating an airborne payload to mix with the airflow and form an aerosolized payload;
providing a partially enclosed central space in a receptacle, into which the generated aerosolized payload is directed; and
holding at least a portion of the generated aerosolized payload in the partially enclosed central space of the receptacle for inhalation by a user;
wherein the generating an airflow and the generating an aerosolized payload occur within the receptacle.
22 - 23 . (canceled)
24 . The method of claim 21 , wherein the aerosolized payload is inhaled through a straw.