Patent ID: 6871764
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
1. A closure for a container adapted to contain a liquid comprising: a base adapted to be attached to an opening of a liquid container, the base including a conduit extending therethrough that is adapted to be in fluid communication with liquid contents of the liquid container when attached to the opening of the liquid container, and the base further including a substantially tubular spout guide defining at least a portion of the conduit, the base further including an annular deck extending radially inwardly from an inner circumferential surface of the base defining a central orifice in fluid communication with the conduit; and a substantially annular spout mounted to the tubular spout guide for reciprocation at least between an open position and a closed position, the spout including (a) an annular wall and (b) a plug positioned radially within the annular wall; the plug having a leading end and an annular, outer circumferential seal surface that is received within, and plugs the central orifice of the deck when the spout is in the closed position and that is removed from the central orifice deck when the spout is in the open position; at least a substantial portion of the outer circumferential seal surface of the plug being axially recessed or flush with respect to the annular wall of the spout, whereby the annular wall of the spout protects the substantial portion of the seal surface from damage during the molding and assembly operations; and the outer circumferential seal surface having a shape taken from a group consisting of: (i) a smooth cylindrical shape having a substantially constant diameter, and (ii) a smooth frustoconical shape having a diameter that widens with the distance from the leading end, whereby the plug is less susceptible to damage when the spout is axially ejected from a mold after a molding operation.