Beverage or foodstuff container and preparation system

A set of different containers for preparing in a preparation machine a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof from a precursor material, the container system comprising a set of different containers designed for insertion in and use with a preparation machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof from a precursor material stored in the container by introducing liquid in the container and passing liquid through the precursor material, the container including:

• a container body comprising a bottom end and an open end, the container body forming a storage portion for containing the precursor material;
• a closing member to close the storage portion at the open end of the container body;
• and
• an annular flange-like rim at least partially made of cellulose pulp-based material, extending outwardly from the container body and connecting the storage portion and the closing member, the rim having at least a flat segment and comprising an annular force ring designed for being engaged by an enclosing member of the preparation machine,
• wherein the annular force ring is made of cellulose pulp-based material and is of essentially S-shaped when seen in transversal cross-section, comprising at least:
• a first portion linked to the flat segment of the rim, and forming with said flat segment an angle comprised between 2° and 85°;
• and
• a second portion extending from the first portion on the side opposite the flat segment of the rim, said second portion comprising at least a flat and/or curved extension,
• wherein the containers comprise a container body having a total depth (Da, Db), which differs for at least two containers of the set.

A system comprising a container designed for insertion in and use with a preparation machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof from a precursor material stored in the container by introducing liquid in the container and passing liquid through the precursor material, the container including:

• a container body comprising a bottom end and an open end, the container body forming a storage portion for containing the precursor material;
• a closing member to close the storage portion at the open end of the container body;
• and
• an annular flange-like rim at least partially made of cellulose pulp-based material, extending outwardly from the container body and connecting the storage portion and the closing member, the rim having at least a flat segment and comprising an annular force ring designed for being engaged by an enclosing member of the preparation machine,
• wherein the annular force ring is made of cellulose pulp-based material and is of essentially S-shaped when seen in transversal cross-section, comprising at least:
• a first portion linked to the flat segment of the rim, and forming with said flat segment an angle comprised between 2° and 85°;
• and
• a second portion extending from the first portion on the side opposite the flat segment of the rim, said second portion comprising at least a flat and/or curved extension and a machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof, the machine including:
• a container holder for holding the capsule at least at the flange-like rim;
• a liquid injection means for feeding liquid in the container;
• a spring-biasing valve member for engaging the force ring of the container when the capsule is inserted in the machine;
• a processing unit for processing the precursor material of the container, the processing unit comprising the penetrator, and;
• an electrical circuitry to control the processing unit.