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

[0033]The present invention significantly improves upon prior art, Duffy U.S. Pat. No. 7,950,114 by including a continuous membrane along the bottom of the grid-like structure and also providing a rail, an optional sliding cursor, and a latching end cap for fully and redundantly sealing the entirety of a lineal edge; thereby providing an easily operated overlapping connection with multiple redundant sealing surfaces which is strong, highly flexible and durable.

[0034]Prototypes of the Duffy prior art system, made in diverse materials and sizes, have proven to be strong, highly flexible, and easy to operate by either finger pressure or by zipper-like cursor / sliders, generally surpassing hook-and-loop closures in most critical aspects. The system differs significantly from other zipper-type solutions in that the portions are overlapped in lieu of a segmented linear edge connector; this aspect provides a fastening mechanism comprised of multiple redundant individual cells, effectively flush with the base body's (i.e. garment's) surface. Therefore, the system affords significant strength with a relatively soft and flexible rubber-like material, which may be selected from a variety of options for the task at hand.

[0035]The Self-Sealing Closure System includes a number of significant improvements over other extant systems: In comparison to a pressure sealing zipper, this solution provides an overlapping sealing area with multiple redundant independent self-sealing cells. Therefore, it is considerably more robust and durable, and less susceptible to jamming or breakage. Because it is effectively flush with the garment surface, it is less susceptible to inadvertent mechanical damage. In comparison to a “Ziploc”-type closure, this system includes multiple barrier cells which are self-engaging and not subject to misalignment or tearing. In comparison to a thermally sealed coffer dam, this system is fully reusable multiple times and may be operated solely by the wearer. In comparison to multitrack closures, this system provides similar redundant sealing capacity in an easy-to-use format which is effectively flush with the garment surface.

[0036]Some inherent advantages of the invention include: Overlapping portions provide significantly greater shear strength with less stress on the engaged seal than other edge joining mechanisms. The system is highly flexible, composed of rubber-like portions which when engaged act generally as a single flexible structure. The device is extremely light weight due to its open grid structure, compact profile, and low-density materials. The portions may be readily integrated with a synthetic fabric substrate by rf or heat welding or common adhesives. Alternatively, the system may be over-molded onto fabric. The inherent flexibility of the device allows it to be compactly folded for stowage and it may be readily applied to curved openings. The device allows easy, intuitive and fast operation similar to a conventional zipper. The inherent simplicity of the device and its manufacturing process assure relatively low cost, reliability and durability.

[0037]The proposed solution utilizes relatively simple common manufacturing systems, 3D printing, rotary die molding, or injection molding, and known materials including thermoplastic elastomers, LSR Silicone and / or rubbers, which allow for economical and efficient manufacturing. Closure systems may be attached to extant CBR materials via welding, adhesive, or other commonly used practices. No significant cost differential versus currently used closure systems is foreseen other than initial development cost.

[0038]The proposed solution is intuitive and easy to operate, similar to common zipper systems, though overlapping. The gridded structure may be arrayed in a quadrille or a diagonal pattern, each arrangement having unique advantages for distinct types of application. and portions may include a single longitudinal row of complementary nodules and receptors or multiple rows for higher strength and greater redundancy, as well as for potential lateral adjustability.

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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