Capsule system

A kit of at least one capsule and at least one annular support element configured to be used in a system for producing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, comprising:

• a capsule, said capsule comprising:
• a capsule body comprising:
• a side wall defining a chamber and extending axially between a top opening and a bottom outlet
• a circumferential annular flange projecting radially outward from the top opening, said flange comprising an upper surface opposite to the chamber with respect to the opening and an opposed lower surface,
• and
• a top membrane attached to at least a part of the upper surface of the circumferential flange, said top membrane closing the top opening, and adapted to be punctured for liquid injection into the capsule, and
• a bottom membrane provided inside the chamber so as to define an ingredient chamber between the top membrane and said bottom membrane, said ingredient chamber containing a beverage ingredient, and
• an opening device provided inside the chamber for opening the capsule by relative engagement of said opening device with the bottom membrane under the effect of a rise in pressure of the injected liquid in the ingredient chamber,
• and
• a beverage preparation machine comprising:
• a capsule holder for receiving and holding the capsule in the beverage preparation machine, said capsule holder comprising:
• a capsule receiving area configured to receive and hold the side wall of the capsule body, and
• a circumferential annular rim extending radially outward from the receiving area and configured to support the circumferential annular flange of the capsule body,
• and
• a capsule holder receiving area for inserting the removable capsule holder, and
• a liquid injection device,
• wherein the liquid injection device and the inserted capsule holder are relatively moveable one to the other so as to clamp the circumferential annular flange of the capsule,
• an annular support element positionable between the lower surface of the circumferential annular flange of the capsule and the circumferential annular rim of the capsule holder,
• said capsule comprising:
• a capsule body comprising:
• a side wall defining a chamber and extending axially between a top opening and a bottom outlet,
• and
• a circumferential annular flange projecting radially outward from the top opening, said flange comprising an upper surface opposite to the chamber with respect to the opening and an opposed lower surface,
• and
• a top membrane attached to at least a part of the upper surface of the said circumferential flange and closing the top opening, and adapted to be punctured for liquid injection into the capsule, and
• a bottom membrane provided inside the chamber so as to delimit an ingredient chamber between the top membrane and said bottom membrane, said ingredient chamber containing a beverage ingredient, and
• an opening device provided inside the chamber for opening the capsule by relative engagement of said opening device with the bottom membrane under the effect of a rise in pressure of the injected liquid in the ingredient chamber,
• and
• said annular support element being configured to be removably positioned below the circumferential annular flange of said capsule.

A ring configured to be used in a system for producing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, comprising:

• a capsule, said capsule comprising:
• a capsule body comprising:
• a side wall defining a chamber and extending axially between a top opening and a bottom outlet
• a circumferential annular flange projecting radially outward from the top opening, said flange comprising an upper surface opposite to the chamber with respect to the opening and an opposed lower surface,
• and
• a top membrane attached to at least a part of the upper surface of the circumferential flange, said top membrane closing the top opening, and adapted to be punctured for liquid injection into the capsule, and
• a bottom membrane provided inside the chamber so as to define an ingredient chamber between the top membrane and said bottom membrane, said ingredient chamber containing a beverage ingredient, and
• an opening device provided inside the chamber for opening the capsule by relative engagement of said opening device with the bottom membrane under the effect of a rise in pressure of the injected liquid in the ingredient chamber,
• and
• a beverage preparation machine comprising:
• a capsule holder for receiving and holding the capsule in the beverage preparation machine, said capsule holder comprising:
• a capsule receiving area configured to receive and hold the side wall of the capsule body, and
• a circumferential annular rim extending radially outward from the receiving area and configured to support the circumferential annular flange of the capsule body,
• and
• a capsule holder receiving area for inserting the removable capsule holder, and
• a liquid injection device,
• wherein the liquid injection device and the inserted capsule holder are relatively moveable one to the other so as to clamp the circumferential annular flange of the capsule,
• an annular support element positionable between the lower surface of the circumferential annular flange of the capsule and the circumferential annular rim of the capsule holder, said ring comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface comprises an annular protruding portion.