Patent Publication Number: US-11040823-B2

Title: Capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     
         
         
           
             This application is the 35 U.S.C. § 371 national stage application of PCT Application No. PCT/IB62016/050798, filed Feb. 15, 2016, where the PCT claims priority to and the benefit of, IT Patent Application No. BS2015A000028, filed Feb. 27, 2015, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
           
         
       
    
     This invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages. 
     In particular, this invention relates a capsule for the packaging of concentrated products (for example in the form of powder, granules or leaves) in predetermined and disposable doses, for the extemporaneous preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, herbal tea, milk, chocolate, etc.) by means of the introduction, into the capsule itself, of a fluid under pressure (mostly hot water). 
     In the field of capsules or pods for coffee or other infusions, it is known to use automatic or semi-automatic machines equipped with a dispenser group suitable to produce an infusion through the passage of hot water under pressure through the capsule containing precisely the essence to be infused or dissolved. Examples of such known capsules notes are described in earlier documents US2010/260896, WO2015/008309 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,028. 
     The common operating principle of such machines provides for the piercing of the cover closing the capsule to allow the introduction of a flow of hot water under pressure by the infuser group. After obtaining the infusion of the essence contained in the capsule, the infused beverage flows out of the capsule and is directed by the machine into the cup or final container. 
     To prevent the pressurised fluid from passing through the substance to be infused too rapidly, without therefore spreading sufficiently inside the capsule with negative repercussions on the quality of the infused beverage, the known capsules are provided with a layer of sealing film, usually made of aluminium, placed on the bottom of the capsule in correspondence of a base provided with one or more cutting or piercing points or profiles. The increase of pressure in the capsule causes the pressurised fluid to push the aluminium layer against the points on the base until it is pierced or ruptured. Once the opening is created in the layer of sealing film, the infused beverage can flow out from a suitable opening in the base of the capsule itself. 
     These known capsules are rather complex from the constructive point of view, particularly as regards the realisation of the cutting and piercing points and profiles on the base. Therefore, these known capsules are rather expensive, especially as concerns the production of the related moulds. 
     The purpose of this invention is to provide a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages that solves the problems of the prior art. 
     In particular, the purpose of this invention is to provide a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture compared to the known capsules, while still achieving similar performance in terms of quality of the infused beverage. 
     Another purpose of this invention is to provide a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages in which the opening of the capsule, to allow the infused beverage to flow out, occurs as a result of the deformation of the sealing disc, placed to cover the bottom of the capsule, due to the pressure exerted by the pressurised fluid inside it, thus avoiding recourse to any means of cutting or piercing as in the known capsules. 
     This purpose is achieved by a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to claim  1 , by a method for the preparation of an infused beverage according to claim  12 , by a method for welding a sealing disc to the base of a capsule according to claim  15  and by a corresponding welding tool according to claim  18 . 
     The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       The characteristics and advantages of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention will be apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view from below of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view from above of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention; 
         FIGS. 3 and 3A  are, respectively, a top view and a sectional view of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention; 
         FIGS. 4 and 4A  are, respectively, a top view and a sectional view of a capsule provided with a sealing disc on the bottom according to this invention, before infusion; 
         FIGS. 5 and 5A  are, respectively, a top view and a sectional view of a capsule provided with a sealing disc on the bottom according to this invention, after infusion; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention, in an embodiment variant; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention, in a further embodiment variant; 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention, in a yet further embodiment variant; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a welder for welding the sealing disc on the bottom of the capsule according to this invention; 
         FIGS. 10 and 10A  are, respectively, a sectional view and a detail of the welder of  FIG. 9 , in an embodiment variant; 
         FIGS. 11 and 11A  are, respectively, a sectional view and a detail of the welder of  FIG. 10 , in a step of welding the sealing disc on the bottom of the capsule; 
         FIG. 11B  shows a detail of the sealing disc welded on the bottom of the capsule, in an embodiment variant; 
         FIGS. 12 and 12A  are, respectively, a sectional view and a detail of the welder of  FIG. 9 , in a step of welding the sealing disc on the bottom of the capsule, in a further embodiment variant; 
         FIG. 12B ; shows a detail of the sealing disc welded on the bottom of the capsule, in a further embodiment variant. 
         FIGS. 13 and 13A  are, respectively, a sectional view and a detail of the welder of  FIG. 9 , in a step of welding the sealing disc on the bottom of the capsule, in a yet further embodiment variant; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of two possible embodiment variants of the capsule provided with radial grooves inside the welding area of the rim of the sealing disc; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of an embodiment variant of the capsule provided with radial grooves outside the welding area of the rim of the sealing disc; 
         FIGS. 15B and 15C  are, respectively, a top view and a detail in section of the capsule of  FIG. 15A  with a sealing disc welded on the bottom. 
     
    
    
     The accompanying figures, and in particular  FIGS. 6 and 8 , show a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages indicated with the reference number  1 . 
     The capsule  1  comprises a body or cup  2  suitable to define an inner volume V for containing at least one substance  11  to be infused or dissolved, typically in powder or granular form. 
     The cup  2  is made of plastic material, preferably injection moulded or thermoformed. For example, the cup is made of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cup  2  is provided, on one side, with a bottom  3  and, on the opposite side, an entrance opening  21  defined by an edge  4  protruding outwardly. 
     The cup  2  is provided, in correspondence of the bottom  3 , with an exit opening  31 , defined by a nozzle  32 , suitable to allow the outflow of the infused beverage. 
     The cup  2  is provided, in correspondence of the bottom  3 , with a base  33  provided with a plurality of reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 350 , 360 , protruding vertically with respect to the base  33  itself. The reliefs are protruding towards the inside of the cup  2 , in the direction of the cover  6 . Advantageously, the upper surface of the reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 350 , 360  is substantially flat and free of cutting, puncturing or lacerating elements. Advantageously, on the upper surface of at least some of the reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 360  is fixed, by gluing or welding, a sealing disc  5 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 , the disc  5  is positioned between the inner volume V and the reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 350 , 360 . 
     The disc  5  is positioned between the substance  11  to be infused or dissolved, and the base  33 , and in particular below the substance  11  and above the base  33 . 
     The disc  5  closes the containment volume V of the substance, resting on the reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 350 , 360  that form the base  33 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the base  33  comprises a central portion  310 , defined by a first relief, covering the exit opening  31  of the nozzle  32 . The central portion  310  is provided with at least one connection opening  311  between the inside of the cup  2  and the exit opening  31 , precisely to allow the outflow of the infused beverage to the outside of the capsule  1 . Preferably, the central portion  310  comprises a plurality of connection openings  311 . 
     The base  33  comprises at least one labyrinth portion  320 , 330 , 340 , defined by a further relief. 
     The labyrinth portion  320 , 330 , 340  is of substantially circular shape, arranged concentrically with respect to the nozzle  32  (and to the central portion  310 ). 
     The labyrinth portion  320 , 330 , 340  is provided with a plurality of grooves  321 , 331 , 341 . These grooves  321 , 331 , 341 , preferably diagonal, allow the outflow of the infused beverage to the outside of the capsule  1 . 
     The base  33  thus comprises a labyrinth  30 , defined by at least two labyrinth portions  320 , 330 , 340 . In the embodiment variant shown in  FIG. 3 , the labyrinth  30  is defined by a first labyrinth portion  320 , by a second labyrinth portion  330  and a third portion labyrinth  340  arranged concentrically with respect to the nozzle  32  (and to the central portion  310 ). Advantageously, the labyrinth  30  is suitable to prevent, by effect of capillarity, the passage of the infused beverage to the nozzle  32  when the pressure inside the capsule  1  drops below a threshold value, or ceases altogether when the capsule  1  is disengaged from the infusing group of the machine, to avoid dripping of the beverage itself. Advantageously, especially in the case of a capsule for the preparation of soluble beverages, the labyrinth  30  is suitable to reduce the output speed of the infused beverage. The outflow of the infused liquid contained in the capsule  1  occurs with regularity, even in the presence of a high internal pressure, due to the resistance offered by the narrow passages formed by the plurality of grooves  321 , 331 , 341 . 
     The base  33  comprises an outer edge relief  360  (also referred herein as “relief  360 ,” “edge  360 ,” and “outer edge  360 ”), on which a sealing disc  5  is fixed in a partially releasable manner by gluing or welding. 
     In an embodiment variant, shown in  FIG. 11B , the relief  360  that defines the edge has substantially the same vertical extension of the other reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340  that form the base  33 . 
     In a further embodiment variant, shown in  FIG. 12B , the edge  360  comprises at least one raised portion  361  that defines, for example, a central raised ring having substantially the same vertical extension of the other reliefs  310 , 330 , 340  that form the base  33 . The edge  360  comprises at least one recessed portion  363  having a lesser vertical extension with respect to the other reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340  that form the base  33 , and the raised portion  361 . Advantageously, the presence of a recessed area  363  external to the raised area  361 , in correspondence of which occurs the welding of the disc  5 , allows channeling the pressurised liquid under the edge  51  so as to facilitate the detachment of the disc  5  from base  33 . Advantageously, the presence of a recessed area  363  internal to the raised area  361 , in correspondence of which occurs the welding of the disc  5 , facilitates, once obtained the opening of the capsule, the outflow of the infused beverage. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , also in the variant in which the reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 350 , 360  have substantially the same vertical extension, recessed areas  363  can be prepared, for example in the form of radial grooves  363 ′,  363 ″. Preferably, the radial grooves  363 ′, 363 ″ are homogeneously distributed in correspondence of the edge  360  of the base  33  of the bottom of the capsule. In particular,  FIGS. 14 and 15A  show several realisation examples of the radial grooves. 
     For example,  FIG. 14  shows a capsule provided with a plurality of radial grooves  363 ′ on the edge  360 , in particular internally with respect to the area where the edge  51  of the disc  5  will be welded, so as to facilitate the outflow of the infused beverage once the opening of the capsule is obtained. 
     The left portion of  FIG. 14 , shows an example of a capsule provided with a high number of radial grooves  363 ′ of reduced size; the right portion of  FIG. 14 , shows an example of a capsule provided with a lower number of radial grooves  363 ′ of larger size. 
     For example,  FIG. 15  shows a capsule provided with a plurality of radial grooves  363 ″ on the edge  360 , in particular externally with respect to the area where the edge  51  of the disc  5  will be welded, so as to channel the pressurised liquid under the disc  5  to facilitate its detachment. As shown in  FIG. 15C , the welding of the disc  5  takes place in correspondence of a reduced portion of the edge  360 , while the groove  363 ″ allows channeling the pressurised liquid under the edge  51  of the disc  5 . 
     The base  33  comprises a plurality of sectors  350 , defined by further reliefs, arranged between the labyrinth  30  and the edge  360 . 
     The circular sectors  350 , substantially in the shape of an arc of circumference, are circumferentially arranged homogeneously with respect to the nozzle  32  (and to the central portion  310 ). Advantageously, the upper surface of the sectors  350  is substantially flat and free of cutting, puncturing or lacerating elements. Advantageously, a sealing disc  5  is supported on the upper surface of the sectors  350 . 
     In an embodiment variant, shown in  FIG. 11B , the reliefs  350  that defines the sectors  350  have substantially the same vertical extension of the other reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340  that form the base  33 . 
     In a further embodiment variant, shown in  FIG. 12B , the reliefs  350  that defines the sectors  350  have a lesser vertical extension, which is to say they are lowered, with respect to the other reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340  that form the base  33 . 
     The sectors define a plurality of recesses  351 , compartments or spaces that allow the outflow of the infused beverage to the outside of the capsule  1 . In particular, a recess  351  is defined between a pair of adjacent sectors  350 . In the embodiment variant of  FIG. 3 , the base  33  includes six sectors  350  and six recesses  351 . Advantageously, the recess  351  defines a space suitable to accommodate, without obstructing it, the deformation of at least a portion of a sealing disc  5  when the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule  1  reaches a certain opening threshold level. 
     Preferably, the circumferential extension of a sector  350  is greater than circumferential extension of a recess  351 . This constructive choice allows the disc  5  to be freely deformable inside the recess  351 , so as to form the crease  52  to open the passage P for the outflow of the infused beverage, and to be simultaneously supported by the sector  350 , in such a way as to ensure an adequate width of the passage P for the proper and smooth outflow of the infused beverage. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , the capsule  1  for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages, comprises a cover  6  fixed, by gluing or welding, in correspondence of the edge  4 , suitable to seal the cup  2  on the top. 
     Preferably, the cover  6  is an aluminium film, or a composite plastic/aluminium material or a single- or multi-layer plastic. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4A , the capsule  1  for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages, comprises a sealing disc  5  fixed inside the cup  2  in correspondence of the bottom  3 , suitable to seal the cup  2  on the bottom. 
     The capsule  1  is thus provided with a closed chamber  12 , defined by the cover  6  on the top and by the disc  5  on the bottom, inside which is contained the substance  11  to be infused or dissolved. 
     The presence of a hermetically closed chamber  12  is important for the good maintenance and preservation of the substance  11 . The capsule  1  provided with a hermetically closed chamber  12  allows maintaining over time the organoleptic properties of the substance  11  to be infused or dissolve, and ensures a high quality of the infused beverage. 
     Preferably, the disc  5  is an aluminium film, or a composite plastic/aluminium material or a single- or multi-layer plastic. 
     Preferably, the disc  5  is a film with a thickness of at least 25μ. 
     Preferably, the disc  5  is a film with a thickness between 25μ and 45μ, still more preferably between 30μ and 40μ. 
     Preferably, the disc  5  is a film of strong aluminium, preferably with a thickness of 30μ. 
     This technical solution allows the disc  5  to be deformed due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule  1 , without tearing or breaking. 
     The disc  5  is welded or glued in correspondence of the base  33  of the cup  2  in a manner at least partially releasable. Preferably, the disc  5  is welded or glued on the outer edge  360  in a releasable manner. 
     Preferably, the disc  5  is welded through the use of a sealing lacquer  89  having a low or bland level of adhesion, or glued by means of a glue with a low or bland level of adhesion, in such a way as to allow detachment or unsticking from the base  33  due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule  1 . 
     Preferably, the lacquer ensures a lower detachment force than that of standard lacquers. For example, the detachment force measured after welding the disc  5  to the base  33  with a temperature of 240° C. for a time of 0.3 s and a force of 6 bar, much lower than 10 N/15 mm on a flat surface. 
     The disc  5  is welded or glued in correspondence of the bottom of the cup  2  and, in particular, is welded at least partially on the base  33 . The disc  5  is welded or glued on the upper surface of at least some of the reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 360 . 
     The disc  5  is welded or glued to the outer edge  360  and on at least one of the labyrinth portions  320 , 330 , 340 . Preferably, the disc  5  is welded or glued on the labyrinth  30 , which is to say on all the labyrinth portions  320 , 330 , 340  that define the labyrinth  30  itself. 
     Preferably, the disc  5  is also glued or welded on the central portion  310 . 
     The disc  5  is only supported, without being fixed, on at least some of the sectors  350 . Preferably, the disc  5  is only supported on all the sectors  350 . Advantageously, the sector  350  defines a support and sliding surface of at least a portion of the disk  5  during its deformation by the pressurised fluid in the capsule  1  when a certain opening pressure is reached. 
     This invention also relates to a method of a welding a sealing disc  5  to the base  33  of a capsule  1  according to this invention, wherein the disc  5  is welded in a releasable manner to an outside edge  360  of the base  33  using a welding lacquer  89  with a low level of adhesion. In particular, the disc  5  is also welded on labyrinth portions  320 , 330 , 340  of the base  33  that define the labyrinth  30 . 
     Preferably, the disc  5  is welded using a special welding tool  9 , shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     The welding tool  9  comprises a body  92  provided on one side with a head  93 , suitable to allow the gripping and handling of the tool  9 , and one the opposite side with a welding base  91 . 
     In the embodiment variant shown in  FIGS. 12 and 12A , preferably usable for welding a disc  5  on a base  33  in which the sectors  350  are recessed and the edge  360  comprises at least one recessed portion  363  with respect to the other reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340  that form the base  33 , the base  91  of the welder  9  is provided with a welding profile  94  substantially flat. 
     In this embodiment variant, as shown in  FIG. 12B , the disc  5  is welded in correspondence of the labyrinth  30 , preferably also of the central portion  310 , and at least partially in correspondence of the edge  360 , in particular in correspondence of the raised portion  361 . 
     In this embodiment variant, is formed at least one welding area  944  (labyrinth  30 , preferably the central portion  310 , the raised portion  361 ) and at least one free area  943  (reliefs  350 , recessed portion  363 ) in which no welding takes place. 
     In particular, with regard to the edge  360 , the sealing area  944 , corresponding to only the raised portion  361 , is of reduced width or in any case less with respect to the total width of the edge  360  of the base  33 . Advantageously, the presence of a welding area of reduced width in correspondence of the edge  360  facilitates the detachment of the disc  5  due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule  1 . 
     In the embodiment variants shown in  FIGS. 10 to 11A and 13 and 13A , preferably usable for the welding of a disc  5  on a base  33  in which the reliefs  310 , 320 , 330 , 340 , 350 , 360  have substantially the same vertical extension, the base  91  is provided with a welding profile  94  suitable to weld the disc  5  only in correspondence of some portions of the base  33 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11, 11A and 11B , the welding profile  94  comprises a central portion  942  suitable to weld the disc  5  in correspondence of the labyrinth  30 , preferably also of the central portion  310 , and of a contour portion  941  suitable to weld at least partially the disc  5  in correspondence of the edge  360 . 
     The welding profile  94  is provided, between the central portion  942  and the contour portion  941 , with a channel  93  suitable to define a free area  943  in which no welding takes place. 
     Preferably, the base  91  being of the tool  9  being substantially cylindrical, the channel  93  is substantially circular and concentric with respect to the base  91 . 
     The central portion  942  of the welding profile  94  is substantially flat and defines a welding area  944  of the same width as the labyrinth  30 , and preferably also of the central portion  310 , of the base  33 . 
     The contour portion  941  of the welding profile  94  is defined by a tooth  95  that defines a welding area  944  of reduced width or in any case less than the width of the edge  360  of the base  33 . 
     Advantageously, the presence of a welding area of reduced width in correspondence of the edge  360  of the base  33  facilitates the detachment of the disc  33  due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule  1 . 
     In the embodiment variant shown in  FIGS. 13 and 13A , the disc  5  is welded at least partially in correspondence of walls  380  inclined or vertical. 
     In this variant, the welding profile  94  comprises a central portion  942  suitable to weld the disc  5  in correspondence of the labyrinth  30 , preferably also of the central portion  310 , and of a lateral portion  941  suitable to weld at least partially the disc  5  in correspondence of the walls  380 . 
     The welding profile  94  is provided, between the central portion  942  and the lateral portion  945 , with a channel  93  suitable to define a free area  943  in which no welding takes place. In this variant, the channel  93  extends to the lateral portion  945 . 
     This invention also relates to a welding tool  9  for welding a sealing disc  5  to the base  33  of a capsule  1  according to this invention, provided with a welding base  91  with a welding profile  94  comprising a central portion  942  and a contour portion  941  suitable to make a weld, and a channel  93 , provided between the central portion  942  and the contour portion  941 , suitable to define a free area  943  in which there is no welding. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 to 8 , the capsule  1  can be realised in various versions. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show a capsule for the preparation of infused beverages, in particular coffee. 
     Preferably, in such embodiment variants, the capsule  1  for coffee also comprises a filter  8  welded or glued under the substance  11  on suitable vertical abutments  18  provided inside the cup  2 . Preferably, the filter  8  is welded or glued in correspondence of the inner walls of the cup  2 , just above the bottom  3 . In particular, the filter  8  is welded or glued above the disc  5 . The presence of the filter  8 , preferably made of paper, fabric or non-woven fabric, below the substance  11 , and in particular of the coffee powder, allows filtering the infused liquid before it flows out from the capsule  1 , in this way preventing coffee powder residues from remaining in the infused beverage and impairing its quality. 
     Preferably, in these embodiment variants, the capsule  1  for coffee also comprises a permeable or micro-perforated film  7 , welded or glued above the substance  11  on special horizontal abutments  17  provided inside the cup  2 . 
     Inside the chamber  12 , the film  7  defines, together with the disc  5 , a sub-chamber  12 ′ within which the substance  11  to be infused is effectively contained. The presence of this film  7 , which allows the passage of the pressurised fluid but not the passage of the substance  11 , prevents the dispersion of the coffee powder during the infusion step, improving the quality of the infused beverage. 
     With particular reference to the embodiment variant of  FIG. 6 , which shows a capsule  1  for the preparation of infused coffee, the cup  2  comprises, inside a dividing wall  13 , preferably circular, suitable to define the lateral walls of the sub-chamber  12 ′ within which the substance  11  to be infused is effectively contained. In this embodiment variant, the film  7  is fixed in correspondence of the upper edge of the dividing wall  13 , an edge that in this case represents the horizontal abutment  17  for gluing or welding. 
     The embodiment variant of  FIG. 8  shows a capsule for the preparation of soluble beverages, such as for example tea, chocolate or milk. Preferably, in this embodiment variant, the capsule  1  for soluble substances comprises the cover  6  and the sealing disc  5 , and is without filter  8  and permeable or micro-perforated film  7 . 
     The capsule  1 , in its various embodiment variants, can be used for the extemporaneous preparation of beverages (such as tea, coffee, herbal tea, milk, chocolate, etc.) using automatic or semi-automatic machines equipped with a dispenser group suitable to produce an infusion through the passage of hot water under pressure through the capsule  1 . 
     So, in use, the capsule  1  is inserted in a suitable seat provided in the machine. The machine pierces the cover  6 , placed to close the capsule  1 , and inserts, inside the chamber  12 , 12 ′ in which the substance  11  is contained, a pressurised fluid (mostly hot water). 
     The presence of the disc  5  to closure of the bottom  3  of the capsule  1  allows the pressurised fluid to remain, for a certain interval of time, in contact with the substance  11  to be infused or dissolved, so as to ensure obtaining an optimum infused beverage. The pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule  1  rises until reaching a certain threshold level, or opening pressure (for example comprised between 4 and 8 bar), which pushes on the disc  5  determining the opening of the capsule  1 . At this point the infused beverage can flow out through the exit opening  31  and be directed, via the nozzle  32 , into the cup or final container. 
     In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 5A , the opening of the capsule  1  is determined by the deformation, at least partial, of the disc  5 . 
     Due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule  1 , the disc  5  becomes slightly convex, which is to say the edge  51  is slightly raised with respect to the edge  360  of the base  33 . 
     Due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule  1 , the edge  51  of the disc  5  is detached or unstuck, at least partially, preferably completely, from the base  33 . The unsticking occurs at least in correspondence of the edge  51  of the disc  5  and the edge  360  of the base  33 . This unsticking obviates the sealing effect previously provided by the sealing disc  5 . 
     Always due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule  1 , the edge  51  of the disc  5  is deformed with a certain undulation and forms a crease  52 , preferably a plurality of creases  52 . 
     The deformation of the disc  5 , and in particular the crease  52 , determines a separation of the disc  5  from the base  33 , at least in correspondence of the edge  360 , such as to allow the opening of a passage P for the outflow of the infused liquid. 
     In particular, the edge  51  of the disc  5  forms a crease  52  in correspondence of at least one recess  351 . Preferably, the edge  51  of the disc  5  forms a crease  52  in correspondence of each recess  351 . 
     Advantageously, the disc  5 , being supported only on the upper surface of the sectors.  350 , without being welded or glued on them, can freely slide on the sectors  350  during the deformation due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule  1 . Moreover, the presence of the recesses  351  allows accommodating, without obstructing it, the deformation of the disc  5  due to the increase of pressure inside the capsule  1 . Therefore, precisely in correspondence of the recesses  351 , the creases  52  are formed. 
     This technical solution allows the disc  5  to be deformed without tearing or breaking. 
     In the capsule  1  according to this invention, the exit passage P for the infused beverage, between the chamber  12 ,  12 ′ and the nozzle  32 , is created spontaneously by just the increase in pressure exerted by the pressurised fluid in the capsule  1 , without the need for means of piercing or tearing of the disc, points or cutting profiles. 
     This invention also relates to a method for preparing an infused beverage using a capsule  1  according to this invention, wherein the opening to allow the outflow of the infused beverage is determined the detachment or unsticking, at least partial, of the disc  5  from the base  33  and by the subsequent deformation, at least partial, of the disc  5  itself. 
     In particular, the unsticking of the disc  5  takes place in correspondence of the edge  360  of the base  33  so as to obviate the sealing effect previously provided by the disc  5 . The deformation of the disc  5  takes place on the  51  of the disc  5  which forms, at least at a recess  351 , a crease  52  suitable to permit the release of the infused beverage. 
     A capsule according to this invention is usable for the packaging of concentrated products (in the form of powder, granules or leaves) in predetermined and disposable doses, for the extemporaneous preparation of beverages such as tea in leaves or soluble, coffee in powder or instant coffee, herbal tea, milk, chocolate, or other dehydrated, water-soluble products. 
     Innovatively, a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention is of simple construction and, in any case, able to ensure high performance in terms of quality of the infused beverage. 
     Advantageously, a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention allows maintaining over time the organoleptic properties of the substance contained inside it and thus ensures an excellent quality of the infused beverage. 
     Advantageously, in a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention, the pressurised fluid passes through the substance to be infused in an optimal way with possible effects on the quality of the infused beverage. 
     Advantageously, in a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention, the opening, to allow the infused beverage to flow out, occurs as a result of the deformation of the sealing disc, placed to cover the bottom, due to the pressure exerted by the pressurised fluid inside it, thus avoiding recourse to any means of cutting or piercing. 
     Advantageously, in a capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages according to this invention, the infused beverage is never in contact with parts or elements of the machine used for the preparation of the beverage itself, without risks of alteration of the taste in the case of preparation of different types of beverages. 
     It is clear that one skilled in the art may make changes to the capsule for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages described above, all contained within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.