Beverage System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (19) for accommodating different types of ingredient capsules (2A, 2B) in a food or beverage preparation machine (1). The device (19) is configured to be removably attached to an existing capsule holder (7) of the machine (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine adapted to receive ingredient packages such as capsules. More precisely, the invention relates to a device for preparing beverages from existing machines that uses ingredient capsules that are adapted to the interface between the machine and the ingredient packages, but that have a new and different structural and functional principle. [Background technology]

[0002] Beverage preparation machines useful in the context of the present invention are typically of the type disclosed in the applicant's EP Patent No. 2131704(B1). Such machines comprise a beverage machine casing having functional elements comprising a fluid source (in the remainder of this patent specification the fluid will be referred to as water), e.g. a water reservoir, a water pump, a water heater and a set of water conducting pipes. The machine further comprises a brewing chamber for accommodating an ingredient container such as a coffee capsule, the chamber being fluidly connected to the rest of the functional elements so that water can be brought into the chamber for mixing with the ingredient contained in the capsule.

[0003] The existing machine targeted in the course of this invention is a multi-recipe beverage preparation system that includes different types of ingredients and capsules.

[0004] The first type of raw material is coffee in roast and ground form, which is extracted in the capsule at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure by passing hot water through the coffee mass at a fluid pressure of 6 to 20 bar (relative pressure), preferably 8 to 15 bar.

[0005] The second type of ingredient is made of soluble powders, especially milk-based powders (alternatively it can be tea-based, plant-based, herbal-based, soup-based, chocolate-based preparations, etc.) Such soluble ingredients are dissolved by passing water (preferably heated) through the capsule at a fluid pressure close to or equal to atmospheric pressure (0-2 bar).

[0006] Due to the differences in the nature of the ingredients and the fluid pressures required for beverage preparation, capsules for roast and ground coffee and capsules for solubles are structured differently. The general principle remains the same, as described, for example, in EP 1472156 B1. The capsule comprises a cup defining an ingredient compartment, its top closed by a membrane pierceable by a machine injection plate adapted to inject water under pressure into the capsule, and its bottom with a perforable outlet wall that is opened by opening means when pressure builds up in the capsule. However, the bottom opening means differ in their shape, and the perforable outlet wall has a different thickness in roast and ground or soluble capsules, so that the pressure required to open a soluble capsule is lower than that required to open a roast and ground coffee capsule.

[0007] Furthermore, soluble ingredients, especially milk-based ingredients, are susceptible to bacterial growth and therefore it is essential that the product prepared therefrom does not remain in contact with the beverage preparation machine after preparation, especially if the beverage preparation machine is not used for an extended period of time. For this reason, in existing capsules, the bottom of the capsule body preferably extends below the opening means to retain the opening means and collect the beverage at a beverage outlet 25 that dispenses the beverage outside the capsule 1, for example into a cup. This bottom or dispensing channel of the capsule that collects and dispenses the beverage prevents the product exiting the capsule from contacting machine surfaces where it would flow directly into a cup.

[0008] Furthermore, this dispensing channel represents a certain amount of capsule material. Furthermore, if the capsule contains roast and ground coffee, the dispensing channel is unnecessary, since the applicant has found that such bacterial growth is significantly reduced or even nonexistent in roast and ground coffee. Furthermore, in order to reduce the amount of packaging used to manufacture the capsules and to select new packaging materials that are more environmentally sustainable, it is necessary to improve the capsule's structure, shape, size, and construction materials as much as possible. The applicant has found that roast and ground capsules can be simplified and redesigned by removing the dispensing channel and opening means that are typically integrated into the capsule (as described in EP 1472156 B1). However, the main problem that arises by doing this is providing a means by which consumers can functionally use both types of capsules (soluble and roast and ground), especially the newly modified capsule for coffee, without having to replace their existing machines.

[0009] When modifying the capsules to achieve more sustainable packaging solutions, i.e. when changing the construction materials used to manufacture the capsules, in particular when using compostable or generally biodegradable polymers, the Applicant encountered further problems. More precisely, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PAA), workmanThe use of biodegradable polymers, such as polyhydroxybenzoate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), or polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), or similar compostable materials, results in a particularly improved environmental footprint, a desirable outcome for the applicant. However, the applicant discovered that such materials adversely affect the mechanical strength of the capsule. The applicant discovered that such materials are less rigid than conventional oil-based polymers, such as polypropylene. As a result, capsules made from biodegradable materials deform during beverage preparation, especially when hot water is injected into the capsule and the pressure inside the capsule increases. Under normal conditions, when the capsule cup is made from polypropylene or a similar oil-based material, the seal between the capsule cup and the upper membrane through which water is injected is sandwiched and held between the upper surface of the machine's capsule holder and the lower surface of the machine's water injection plate, as described in EP 2113704 B1. In the case of capsules made of biodegradable materials, such as PHA, the capsule may deform during extraction in the capsule holder, with the result that the upper rim portion of the capsule cup, to which the upper membrane is sealed, is no longer properly held, thereby causing delamination between the rim portion and the membrane, leading to undesired leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention as claimed in the accompanying claims solves the above technical problem in a system for preparing a food or beverage product, the system comprising: a machine comprising fluid communication means for communicating a fluid to the capsule, a capsule holder having a housing for holding the capsule, and an injection plate for injecting fluid into the capsule compartment, wherein the holder and the plate are movable relative to each other to encapsulate the capsule when the rim and top membrane are placed between the capsule holder and the plate during food or beverage preparation; a first type of capsule comprising a capsule body having a side wall forming an ingredient compartment, a top membrane closing the top of the body and attached to the top surface of a rim extending outward from the side wall, and a bottom membrane closing the bottom of the body, the bottom membrane being openable by an opening means under the influence of an increase in pressure within the capsule compartment; a second type capsule comprising a lower rigid wall attached to the side wall such that a bottom membrane is located within the capsule compartment above an upper surface of the rigid wall, the second type capsule further comprising a product dispensing channel connecting the upper and lower sides of the lower rigid wall, and a product dispensing conduit extending downward from the product dispensing channel, the upper surface of the lower rigid wall comprising opening means adapted to open the bottom membrane; 1. A device for fitting capsules of a first and second type into a capsule holder of a food or beverage preparation machine, the device comprising: a device plate having attachment means to a capsule holder; an opening means located on the top surface of the device plate, the opening means protruding upward from the top surface of the device plate, the opening means being adapted to open a bottom membrane of a first type of capsule to allow the first type of food or beverage product to be dispensed; a central through-hole extending through the thickness of the plate for receiving the product dispensing conduit of a capsule of the second type; a device comprising: Equipped with.

[0011] This system allows for the production of capsules with a reduced amount of material, as the first type of capsule (usually containing roast and ground coffee) has no opening means and the body of the capsule does not have a bottom or dispensing channel for collecting and dispensing the beverage.

[0012] Preferably, the opening means is formed from at least one piercing element adapted to penetrate the bottom membrane of the capsule of the first type. More preferably, the bottom membrane has a thickness of In the directionAdvantageously, the piercing elements are pyramidal projections.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the attachment means of the device plate to the capsule-holder are means that allow a non-permanent and reversible attachment. In the simplest way, the attachment means can be a corresponding shape between the lower surface of the device plate and the bottom of the inner surface of the capsule-holder.

[0014] Thus, the device for accommodating capsules of the first and second types in a capsule-holder can be removed for cleaning and then placed again in the capsule-holder.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the central through-hole of the device is surrounded at the top surface of the device plate by a circular wall that projects upwardly from the top surface at a height at least equal to or greater than the height of the opening means.

[0016] A device plate according to the invention advantageously comprises a peripheral plate rim extending horizontally outwardly from the plate, the plate rim having a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a support column extending upward from the peripheral edge of the device plate, the support column joining at its upper tip to an annular ring with a flat or O-ring cross section (preferably, the annular ring is flat). Thanks to this annular ring, the leakage rate is reduced from up to 100% to 0-2%, depending on the type of machine. This can be explained by the fact that this ring increases the thickness of the capsule rim sandwiched between the injection plate and the capsule holder when the machine is functionally closed. Therefore, this increased thickness also increases the closing force exerted by the injection plate and the capsule holder, thereby preventing the upper membrane of the capsule from peeling off from the capsule rim. The annular ring preferably has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0018] Additionally, attaching the compatible device to these posts prevents a user from throwing the used capsule away along with the compatible device when throwing the capsule in a trash can. The posts make the compatible device more visible.

[0019] Advantageously, the device plate comprises a plurality of through holes extending between the upper and lower sides of the device plate and located between the perforation elements, the holes having a diameter of 0.1 to 1 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm.

[0020] The outlet conduit of the second type of capsule preferably has an outer diameter of 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably 4 mm to 5 mm. The larger the central conduit, the thicker the support wall required for the membrane.

[0021] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the central through-hole of the device plate is provided with a valve (a plastic insert with a slit) adapted to open when the product dispensing conduit of the second type of capsule is inserted into the central through-hole and to close tightly again to prevent leakage when the conduit is not present.

[0022] Preferably, at least the capsule body of the capsule is made of a compostable or biodegradable polymer, preferably polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PLA), or the like. workman It is made of polybutylene succinate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), or polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and mixtures thereof.

[0023] In a second aspect, there is provided a device for use in a system as described above, the device comprising: a device plate having attachment means to a capsule holder; an opening means located on the top surface of the device plate, the opening means protruding upwardly from the top surface of the device plate, the opening means being adapted to open a bottom membrane of a first type of capsule to allow the first type of food or beverage product to be dispensed; The central through-hole in the device plate is surrounded by a circular wall on the upper surface of the device plate that projects upwardly from the upper surface to a height at least equal to or greater than the height of the opening means.

[0024] Preferably, the device plate includes a peripheral plate rim extending horizontally outwardly from the plate, the plate rim having a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0025] In one embodiment, the compliant device further comprises at least three posts extending upwardly from the periphery of the device plate, the posts joining the annular ring at their upper tips.

[0026] In a third aspect there is provided a kit for use with a machine comprising fluid communication means for communicating fluid to capsules of the first or second type, a capsule holder having a housing for holding the capsules, and an injection plate for injecting fluid into the capsule compartments, the holder and plate being movable relative to each other to enclose the capsules; The kit is With the above compatible machines, a plurality of capsules of a first type and / or a plurality of capsules of a second type.

[0027] By multiple is meant at least 2. The number of capsules associated with one single adapting device may depend on the mechanical strength of this adapting device or may take into account the need to further modify the adapting device due to its increased fouling due to the accumulation of beverage residues.

[0028] For example, the kit may include one opening device for 12 capsules.

[0029] The kit may contain only the first type of capsules, or only the second type of capsules, or a mixture of both types of capsules. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, or will be apparent from, the following description of the presently preferred embodiments, which are set forth with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a beverage preparation machine in which the present invention may be used; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the capsule holder (loaded with a capsule) and the water injection unit of the beverage machine shown in FIG. 1 in an open position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view similar to FIG. 2 of the capsule-holder inserted into the water injection unit in the open position. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a side view similar to FIG. 3 of the capsule-holder inserted into the water injection unit in the closed position. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ingredient capsule with a peeled top membrane. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first type of capsule. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second type of capsule. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective top view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective cutaway view of a first embodiment of a device similar to that of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side cutaway view of the device shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 functionally assembled into a capsule of a first type and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side cutaway view of the device shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 functionally assembled into a capsule of a second type and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective cutaway view of a second embodiment of a device similar to that of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side cutaway view of the device shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 functionally assembled into a capsule of a first type and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a side cutaway view of the device shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 functionally assembled into a capsule of a second type and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of a third embodiment of a device according to the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective cutaway view of a third embodiment of a device similar to that of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side cutaway view of the device shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 functionally assembled into a capsule of a first type and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a side cutaway view of the device shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 functionally assembled into a capsule of a second type and inserted into the brewing chamber of a beverage preparation machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Figure 1 shows a food or beverage preparation machine 1 for use with a closed ingredient capsule 2. The machine 1 comprises fluid flow means for passing a fluid (which in the remainder of this specification will be water) through the capsule 2 to mix it with ingredients to form a food or beverage (for the remainder of this specification the machine will be considered to be for preparing beverages such as coffee, tea, soup, nutritional compositions etc.). The fluid flow means comprises a water tank 3, a set of pipes 4, a water heater 5 and a fluid flow actuator 6.

[0032] The machine of Figure 1 further comprises a capsule holder 7 having a housing 8 for holding the capsule 2. It further comprises an injection plate 9 for injecting fluid into the capsule compartment through an upper membrane 10 of the capsule 2. The upper membrane 10 of the capsule 2 is attached to the upper surface of a capsule rim 11 that extends outward from the top of the capsule side wall 12.

[0033] In the embodiments of the beverage preparation machine described in this application, the term "brewing chamber" generally refers to the assembly of the capsule holder 7 and the water injection plate 9. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, during food or beverage preparation, when the capsule rim 11 and upper membrane 10 of the capsule 2 are positioned between the capsule holder 7 and the water injection plate 9, the capsule holder 7 and the injection plate 9 are movable relative to each other to enclose the capsule 2. In Figure 2, the capsule 2 is shown in place within the housing 8 of the capsule holder 7 and the water injection plate 9 in the machine 1, with the water injection plate 9 raised to an upper position to allow insertion of the capsule holder into the machine 1. In Figure 3, the capsule holder 7 is inserted into the machine 1, with the water injection plate 9 still raised. In Figure 4, the water injection plate 9 is moved towards the capsule holder in the functional position of the machine 1, ready for beverage preparation. Moving the water injection plate 9 between the aforementioned positions can be done automatically by pressing a command on the machine control panel, or manually by the user by pivoting an actuation lever 13, shown by way of example in Figures 3 and 4.

[0034] In the functional position of the brewing unit, when the water injection plate is moved towards the capsule holder (Figure 4), the capsule rim 11 and the upper membrane 10 of the capsule 2 are positioned between the capsule holder 7 and the water injection plate 9 and are held therein.

[0035] Generally, the principle of capsule opening is that when water is injected into the capsule, the water pressure increases within the capsule until the pressure is sufficient to burst the wall of the capsule's dispensing side, allowing the product to flow out toward the cup to be used. The rupture of the capsule's dispensing wall is achieved by the interaction of the dispensing wall with opening means integrated into the capsule structure under the influence of the increased pressure inside the capsule.

[0036] In order to provide capsules that are more environmentally friendly, the applicant has developed some capsules that are made up of less material, in particular capsules that do not have their own integrated opening means. However, there remains a need for a beverage machine to be able to accommodate other types of capsules that still have their own opening means.

[0037] Therefore, the beverage machine described above has to accommodate different types of capsules, one of which does not have its own opening means.

[0038] More precisely, Figure 6 illustrates a first type of capsule 2A comprising a capsule body having a side wall 12 forming an ingredient compartment, a top membrane 10 closing the top of the body and attached to the upper surface of a rim 11 extending outwardly from the side wall 10, and a bottom membrane 14 closing the bottom of the body, the bottom membrane 14 being openable by opening means under the effect of an increase in pressure inside the capsule compartment.

[0039] 7 illustrates a second type of capsule 2B which, in addition to the features of the first type of capsule described above, comprises a lower rigid wall 15 attached to the bottom edge of the side wall 12 such that the bottom membrane 14 is located within the capsule compartment above the upper surface of the rigid wall. The second type of capsule 2B further comprises a product dispensing channel 16 connecting the upper and lower sides of the lower rigid wall 15, and a product dispensing conduit 17 extending downwardly from the product dispensing channel 16. The upper surface of the lower rigid wall 15 comprises an integrated opening means 180 adapted to open the bottom membrane.

[0040] In the first type of capsule 2A, opening means for opening the bottom membrane are not integrated into the capsule, whereas in the second type of capsule 2B, opening means are integrated, in the latter case present on the upper surface of the lower rigid wall 15.

[0041] In either case, the opening means, whether integral to the capsule or not, is formed from at least one, and preferably (as shown) a plurality of (as shown) perforation elements 18, 180 adapted to penetrate the bottom membrane 14 of the capsule. In the direction It is preferably a membrane adapted to be pierced. Advantageously, the piercing elements are pyramidal projections.

[0042] According to the invention, a device 19 is provided for accommodating at least two types of ingredient capsules in the same beverage preparation machine 1, namely capsules of the first and second types 2A, 2B mentioned above.

[0043] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, this device 19 a device plate 20 having attachment means 21 to the capsule holder 7; an opening means 18 located on the upper surface of the device plate 20, the opening means 18 protruding upwards from the upper surface of the device plate, the opening means 18 being adapted to open the bottom membrane of the first type of capsule 2A to allow the first type of food or beverage product (preferably coffee) to be dispensed; a central through-hole 22 extending through the entire thickness of the plate 20 for receiving the product dispensing conduit 17 of the second type of capsule 2B; Equipped with.

[0044] The device plate 20 is provided with a plurality of through-holes (not shown) extending between the upper and lower sides of the device plate 20 and positioned between the perforation elements 18, the holes having a diameter of 0.1 to 1 mm. Such holes serve to guide the flow of beverage dispensed from the first type of capsule towards the cup. In this configuration, as shown in Figures 10, 14 and 18, the beverage is dispensed over the entire underside of the capsule, and as a result of the plurality of through-holes, it is necessary to guide and dispense it through the device plate. In the case of the second type of capsule, the beverage is dispensed through the product dispensing conduit 17, so the through-holes in the plate do not play any role in beverage dispensing.

[0045] The cooperation of this first type of capsule 2A with the capsule holder 8 and the fitting device 19 is shown in FIGS.

[0046] The cooperation of this first type of capsule 2A with the capsule holder 8 and the fitting device 19 is shown in FIGS.

[0047] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 8 and 9, the attachment means of the device plate 20 to the capsule holder 7 are means allowing a non-permanent and reversible attachment, in particular a set of protrusions 21 extending laterally from the lower part of the plate 7 and having dimensions such that the plate can be inserted into the housing 8 of the capsule holder 7 and such that a mechanical reversible holding effect is possible.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, also shown in Figures 8 and 9, the central through-hole 22 of the device plate 20 is surrounded, at the top surface of the device plate, by a circular wall 23 which projects upwards from the top surface at a height at least equal to or greater than the height of the piercing elements 18. This circular wall 23 provides support for the centre of the bottom membrane 14 of the first type of capsule 2A and avoids the membrane being pierced by the piercing elements 18 when the capsule is simply positioned in the capsule-holder before any water is introduced inside the capsule to prepare a beverage.

[0049] It has also been found that, as shown in FIG. 5, peeling of the upper membrane 10 can occur in certain situations, particularly when the material of the upper membrane 10 is changed from a conventional polymer, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), to a compostable, environmentally friendly material. As shown in FIG. 5, such peeling results in an undesirable opening (even partial) or complete lifting of the upper membrane 10 from the capsule sidewall 12 and the remainder of the capsule rim 11. The peeling process ultimately leads to weakening and excessive penetration of the membrane 10, which can result in leakage. Compostable materials do not achieve the same material properties as conventional polymers, especially under hot water conditions. Most compostable materials have a seal strength (expressed in N / mm) approximately 10 times lower than that of polypropylene (PP), resulting in peeling of the upper membrane 10, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0050] To solve the delamination problem, it has surprisingly been found that by lifting the capsule in the capsule holder when the capsule is in place in the holder, the capsule rim 11 and top membrane 10 are better held in place between the water injection plate and the capsule holder when the brewing unit is in its closed configuration ready for beverage preparation, limiting any potential deformation of the capsule rim 11 in the brewing unit, which is also known to increase the delamination problem. It has been shown that the brewing unit deforms under pressure during the beverage preparation process, and that this effect on the capsule body, and the resulting delamination of the top layer, is compensated for by the lifted capsule.

[0051] To achieve this lifting effect of the capsule, the device plate 20 according to the invention advantageously comprises a peripheral plate rim 24, shown in Figures 8 and 9, which extends horizontally and outwardly from the plate. The plate rim 24 has a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 1 mm.

[0052] When the capsule and capsule-holder are inserted into the brewing unit of the machine, the plate rim 24 is located between the lower part of the capsule-holder and the bottom of the capsule, the thickness of the rim 24 being sufficient to obtain the lifting effect mentioned above.

[0053] In an alternative or combined embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 12-15, the device according to the present invention further comprises at least three support posts 25 extending upward from the periphery of the device plate 20. The support posts 25 are joined at their upper tips to an annular flat ring 26. The use of a cage minimizes peeling of the upper membrane due to the upper support plus the elevated capsule body. The annular flat ring preferably has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 1 mm.

[0054] In another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 16 to 19, the central through-hole 22 of the device plate 20 may be provided with a valve 27 adapted to open when the product dispensing conduit 17 of a capsule of the second type is inserted into the central through-hole (as shown in Figure 19), and to close tightly again in a leak-proof manner when the conduit is not present, for example when a capsule 2A of the first type is inserted into the capsule holder 7 and the device 19 (as shown in Figure 18). Such a valve 27 closes the central through-hole when a capsule 2A of the first type is inserted into the brewing unit, as described above, ensuring that the dispensed beverage flows through the plurality of dispensing through-holes in the plate 20.

[0055] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A system for preparing a food or beverage product, said system comprising: A machine (1), Fluid communication means (3, 4, 5, 6) for communicating a fluid to the capsules of the first or second type; a capsule holder (7) having a housing (8) for holding said capsule; an injection plate (9) for injecting said fluid into the capsule compartment; a machine (1) in which the holder (7) and the plate (9) are movable relative to each other to encapsulate the capsules; a first type capsule (2A) comprising a capsule body having a side wall (12) forming an ingredient compartment, a top membrane (10) closing the top of the body and attached to the upper surface of a rim (11) extending outward from the side wall (12), and a bottom membrane (14) closing the bottom of the capsule body, the bottom membrane (14) being openable by an opening means under the effect of an increase in pressure within the capsule compartment; a second type capsule (2B) comprising a capsule body having a side wall (12) forming an ingredient compartment, and a lower rigid wall (15) attached to the side wall (12) such that a bottom membrane (14) of the second type capsule (2B) is located within the capsule compartment above an upper surface of the rigid wall (15); the second type capsule (2B) further comprises a product dispensing channel (16) connecting the upper and lower sides of the lower rigid wall (15) and a product dispensing conduit (17) extending downward from the product dispensing channel (16), the upper surface of the lower rigid wall (15) comprising opening means (180) adapted to open the bottom membrane (14); A device (19) for fitting the first and second types of capsules (2A, 2B) into the capsule holder (7) of the food or beverage preparation machine (1), said device (19) comprising: a device plate (20) having attachment means (21) to said capsule holder (7); an opening means (18) located on the upper surface of the device plate (20), the opening means (18) protruding upward from the upper surface of the device plate (20), the opening means (18) being adapted to open the bottom membrane (14) of the first type capsule (2A) to allow a first type food or beverage product to be dispensed; a central through-hole (22) extending through the entire thickness of said plate (20) for receiving said product dispensing conduit (17) of said second type capsule (2B); a device (19) comprising: A system comprising:

2. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the opening means (18) of the fitting device is formed from at least one piercing element adapted to penetrate the bottom membrane (14) of the first type of capsule (2A).

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the bottom membrane (14) of the first type of capsule is a thin membrane adapted to be penetrated through the thickness of the bottom membrane (14).

4. 4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the piercing elements (18) of the opening means (18) of the fitting device are pyramidal shaped protrusions.

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment means (21) of the device plate (20) to the capsule holder (7) are means allowing a non-permanent and reversible attachment.

6. 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the central through hole (22) of the device plate is surrounded by a circular wall (23) that projects upward from the upper surface of the device plate (20) at a height at least equal to or greater than the height of the opening means (18).

7. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the device plate (20) comprises a peripheral plate rim (24) extending horizontally outwardly from the plate, the plate rim (24) having a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

8. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the adaptive device (19) further comprises struts (25) extending upward from the periphery of the device plate (20), the struts (25) joining an annular ring (26) at their upper extremities.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the annular ring (26) is flat and has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

10. 10. The system of claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 9 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the device plate (20) comprises a plurality of through holes extending between the upper and lower sides of the device plate (20) and positioned between the perforation elements, the through holes having a diameter of 0.1 to 1 mm.

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing conduit (17) of the second type capsule (2B) has an outer diameter of between 2 mm and 7 mm.

12. 12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the central through-hole (22) of the device plate (20) is provided with a valve (27) adapted to open when the product dispensing conduit (17) of a capsule (2B) of a second type is inserted into the central through-hole (22) and to close tightly again in a leak-proof manner when the conduit is not present.

13. 13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least the capsule body of the capsule is made of a compostable or biodegradable polymer, preferably made of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), or polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and mixtures thereof.

14. An adaptation device (19) for use in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said device (19) comprising: a device plate (20) having attachment means (21) to said capsule holder (7); an opening means (18) located on the upper surface of the device plate (20), the opening means (18) protruding upward from the upper surface of the device plate (20), the opening means (18) being adapted to open the bottom membrane (14) of the first type capsule (2A) to allow a first type food or beverage product to be dispensed; the central through-hole (22) of the device plate is surrounded by a circular wall (23) that projects upward from the upper surface of the device plate (20) at a height at least equal to or greater than the height of the opening means (18); Adaptation device (19).

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the device plate (20) comprises a peripheral plate rim (24) extending horizontally outwardly from the plate, the plate rim (24) having a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

16. 16. The device of claim 14 or 15, wherein the adaptive device (19) further comprises at least three posts (25) extending upward from the periphery of the device plate (20), the posts (25) joining an annular ring (26) at their upper tips.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein said annular ring (26) is flat and has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

18. A kit for use with a machine (1), comprising: The machine (1) Fluid communication means (3, 4, 5, 6) for communicating a fluid to the capsules of the first or second type; a capsule holder (7) having a housing (8) for holding said capsule; an injection plate (9) for injecting said fluid into the capsule compartment; the holder (7) and the plate (9) are movable relative to each other to encapsulate the capsule; The kit comprises: An adaptation device (19) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, a plurality of first-type capsules (2A), each of which comprises a capsule body having a side wall (12) forming an ingredient compartment, a top membrane (10) closing the top of the body and attached to the upper surface of a rim (11) extending outward from the side wall (12), and a bottom membrane (14) closing the bottom of the capsule body, the bottom membrane (14) being openable by an opening means under the effect of an increase in pressure within the capsule compartment; a plurality of second-type capsules (2B), each comprising a capsule body having a side wall (12) forming an ingredient compartment, and a lower rigid wall (15) attached to the side wall (12) such that a bottom membrane (14) of the second-type capsule (2B) is located within the capsule compartment above an upper surface of the rigid wall (15); the second-type capsules (2B) further comprising a product dispensing channel (16) connecting the upper and lower sides of the lower rigid wall (15) and a product dispensing conduit (17) extending downward from the product dispensing channel (16), the upper surface of the lower rigid wall (15) comprising opening means (180) adapted to open the bottom membrane (14); A kit comprising:

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