Keg closure with element for locking the valve in an open position

Abstract

A closure (1) for a beverage keg (90) is provided, comprising a valve housing (20) and a valve element (30), which is movable with respect to the valve housing (20) inwardly into an open state and outwardly into a closed state. A locking system comprises a locking element (50) that is movable with respect to the valve housing (20) and is capable of holding the valve element (30) in the open state. The locking element (50) comprises a body portion (51) located inside the valve housing (20) and a leg (56) that extends outwardly from the body portion (51) to the exterior of the valve housing (20). The leg (56) comprises an engagement element (57) that is configured to engage a stop formation fixed with respect to the valve housing (20) in order to limit the maximum extent of movement of the locking element (50) in an upward direction relative to the valve housing (20) after beverage has been dispensed from the keg (90).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.