Self-Sealing Closure System and Method

Abstract

The self-sealing closure system includes a flexible, overlapping, interlocking closure with a continuous backing membrane to provide a secure, durable, and redundantly impermeable barrier operated by finger pressure or by an optional easy-to-operate, zipper-like cursor, with an optional locking end cap.

Description

[0001]This invention claims the priority of Provisional Patent Application dated Feb. 11, 2020 by Leonard A Duffy of Hinesburg Vermont entitled “Self-Sealing Closure”BACKGROUND[0002]There is a need for an innovative self-sealing closure system which is secure, durable, and easy to operate; in particular a closure system which is flexible, non-grabbing, readily cleanable, reusable, and impermeable. Such a system may be used for any application requiring a secure, easy-to-operate impermeable edge closure including but not limited to: PPE Protective Equipment Ensembles as used in chemical, biological, and radiological CBR incidents; spacesuits and vehicle air locks; underwater apparel and equipment; flexible containers; hyperbaric chambers; and diverse consumer and industrial applications including packaging, apparel, footwear, raingear, sports equipment, luggage; and for other general closure and fastening applications which may or may not require a sealed connection.[0003]Prior Art i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The Self-Sealing Closure System is made up of two parts that fit together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Each part has a flexible base structure with a bottom membrane and dome-like protrusions that can be pressed into receptors to seal the parts together. The bottom surfaces of the protrusions are flush with the top surface of the grid and the bottom of other protrusions along a common joining plane, creating a continuous sealing area. The system also includes a continuous lateral selvage strip for attaching to a substrate. This design minimizes stress on the seal when subjected to lateral shear. The system provides a reliable and flexible closure that can be opened and reused.

Problems solved by technology

In general, these types of solutions provide secondary means for sealing an edge connection which is primarily connected with a non-sealing attachment mechanism, thereby providing redundancy but not necessarily integrity of the whole.

Many of these systems provide adequate security but may be compromised by lack of integrity due to excess flexure, difficulty of use, or limited durability (use cycles), or functional inadequacy at larger scales.

Systems depending on chemical or thermal sealing are generally only useful for a single use and are therefore not considered relevant to the current need.

While unique as fastening mechanisms, these systems do not appear to provide an effectively sealing connection.

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