Patent ID: 7143911

Claim:
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 and a plug positioned radially within the tubular spout guide; 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 an annular wall and an annular deck extending radially inwardly from an upper end of the annular wall forming a central orifice; 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 portion of the outer circumferential seal surface of the plug being axially recessed or flush with respect to the tubular spout guide, whereby the tubular spout guide protects the substantial portion of the seal surface from damage during the molding and assembly operations; wherein at least a portion of the annular deck is received within the tubular spout guide when the spout is in the closed position.