AMENDED CLAIMS

received by the International Bureau on 01 July 2020 (01.07.2020)

CLAIMS

[Amended under PCT Article 19]

1. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler configured to operate the valve closure: - the valve closure having :

- an inner sleeve (12) which includes a socket (16) and an annular inner valve seat (18);

- a valve member (21) having an annular sealing face (23) co-operable with the inner valve seat (18);

- spring means (24) urging the valve member (21) against the inner valve seat (18);

- wherein the valve member (21) incorporates a plurality of projections (26) spaced radially inwards from the annular sealing face (23) and projecting towards the socket (16); the dispensing coupler having :

- a housing (39);

- a tubular probe (43) slidably received within the housing, the tubular probe having a central bore (44);

- wherein a distal end of the tubular probe (43) has an end face (46), a circumferentially-extending ring seal (47), and a circumferential locking recess (48) disposed between the ring seal (47) and the end face (46) to engage a detachable closing element;

- wherein the circumferential locking recess (48) has opposing upper and lower faces (48.1 and 48.2).

2. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to 15

claim 1 wherein the valve member (21) incorporates at least three projections (26).

3. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 1 wherein a lower end of the socket (16) is defined by an inwardly directed shoulder (17) which provides the inner valve seat (18).

4. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 3 wherein the height of the projections (26) measured axially of the inner sleeve (12) is less than the axial length of the shoulder (17) at the lower end of the socket (16).

5. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 1 wherein the inner sleeve (12) is disposed within an outer sleeve (10) adapted (2, 4) to engage the neck of a container.

6. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 5 wherein the outer sleeve (10) is connected to an annular top wall (6) forming an outer valve seat (9).

7. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 6 wherein the inner sleeve (12) is provided with a ring seal (14) co-operable with the outer valve seat (9).

8. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 6 wherein outer spring means (15) urges the inner sleeve (12) towards the outer valve seat (9). 16

9. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 6 wherein an outer periphery (7) of the annular top wall (6) projects radially outwards and has a plurality of circumferential notches (8).

10. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 1 wherein the upper face (48.1) of the locking recess (48) is wider than the lower face (48.2) and projects radially outwards beyond the lower face.

11. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 1 wherein the housing (39) has a gas inlet port (40).

12. A valve closure and a dispensing coupler according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing coupler has a bayonet fitting (41) to engage the valve closure.