U.S. patent application number 17/174352 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-02 for self-sealing closure system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Leonard A. Duffy. Invention is credited to Leonard A. Duffy.
Application Number | 20210267321 17/174352 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005639812 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210267321 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duffy; Leonard A. |
September 2, 2021 |
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.
Inventors: |
Duffy; Leonard A.;
(Hinesburg, VT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Duffy; Leonard A. |
Hinesburg |
VT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005639812 |
Appl. No.: |
17/174352 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62995882 |
Feb 19, 2020 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/1023 20130101;
A44B 18/0088 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A44B 18/00 20060101
A44B018/00; A45C 13/10 20060101 A45C013/10 |
Claims
1. A self-sealing closure including a first portion for
interlocking with a second portion, said second portion comprising:
A plurality of nodules, each said nodule having a generally bulbous
upper surface and a generally planar underside which partially
overhangs a receptor between the ribs of a grid-like structure,
each such rib having a rib top, sidewalls and a rib bottom; and
said nodule protruding from an interstice of said ribs wherein said
underside is generally coplanar with said rib tops on a common
joining plain; and wherein each said receptor is defined by a
plurality of said undersides, a plurality of said sidewalls, and a
contiguous membrane integral with and generally coplanar with said
rib bottoms, each said receptor having a volume somewhat greater
than the volume of each said nodule; and wherein said second
portion is configured so that the width of the space between
adjacent said ribs is at least as wide as the width of each said
nodule and the depth of said ribs as measured from said rib top to
said rib bottom is at least as deep as the height of said nodules
above said ribs, and the distance between adjacent said nodules is
at least as wide as the width of said ribs; and further wherein at
least parts of said second portion also includes elastomeric
segments and a lateral selvage strip; so that, when said nodules of
said second portion are generally aligned with receptor openings of
said first portion, and said first and second portions are
subjected to a generally compressive force, said elastomeric
segments generally deform to allow corresponding respective nodules
of each said portion to bypass until said undersides of
corresponding said nodules expand into an interfaced disposition
with corresponding undersides, and corresponding said rib tops
interface along said common joining plane; Thereby forming an
interlocked assembly connecting said first and second portions
which is also highly resistant to the flow of liquid, gaseous, or
biological matter, and which said assembly may be disconnected by
sequentially peeling said portions apart.
2. A closure as in claim 1, wherein said generally compressive
force is provided by longitudinally sliding cursor; said cursor
comprising a generally tapered entrance chamber with means for
alignment and a separator bar, a generally tapered chamber
terminating at a compressive slot, and a generally expanding exit
chamber terminating at a mouth; wherein said cursor comprises a
singular integral structure with longitudinal alignment walls and
longitudinal slots for said selvage, configured so that when said
sliding cursor is directed in a first longitudinal direction said
first and second portions are sequentially into an interlocked
assembly; and when said cursor is directed in a second opposite
longitudinal direction said first and second portions a
sequentially separated.
3. A closure as in claim 1 comprised of a generally elastomeric
material.
4. A closure as in claim 1, wherein said first and second portions
each include an integral lateral selvage strip for attachment to a
substrate.
5. A closure as in claim 1, wherein said first and second portions
each include an integral lateral selvage strip for attachment to a
substrate.
6. A closure as in claim 1, wherein said first and second portions
are segments of protective apparel.
7. A closure as in claim 1, wherein said first and second portions
are segments of an air lock.
8. A closure as in claim 1, wherein said first and second portions
are joining segments of a containment device.
9. An interlocking closure for providing a generally impermeable
seal between a first body and a second body comprising: A first
portion integral with said first body including a plurality of
receptors and associated receptor openings within a grid-like
structure, a plurality of generally bulbous nodules protruding
above a common joining plane, and a contiguous membrane integral
with bottom surface of said grid-like structure and with said first
body; A second portion integral with said second body; Said first
and second portions configured so that, when subjected to a
generally compressive force, said nodules of said first portion
enters through said receptor openings and resiliently expands
within said receptors of said second portion, thereby providing a
sealed connection along said common joining plane between said
first and second bodies.
10. An interlocking closure as in claim 9, where said first and
second bodies are segments of protective apparel.
11. An interlocking closure as in claim 9, wherein said first and
second bodies are segments of an air lock barrier.
12. An interlocking closure as in claim 9, wherein said first and
second bodies are segments of a device.
13. An interlocking closure as in claim 9, wherein said first and
second portions are composed of a generally elastomeric
material.
14. An interlocking closure as in claim 9, wherein said generally
compressive force is provided by a longitudinally sliding cursor,
and said cursor comprising a generally rigid structure with a
generally tapered chamber for squeezing the first and second
portions into an engaged juxtaposition when said cursor is moved in
a first longitudinal direction, and a separating bar for
alternatively disengaging assembled said portions when said cursor
is moved in a second longitudinal direction.
15. An interlocking closure as in claim 9, including a longitudinal
rail for guiding a cursor and sealing the edges of said
assembly.
16. An interlocking closure as in claim 2, including said sliding
cursor and a self-sealing end cap, said end cap including means for
sealing together end selvage segments and said membranes of each
said portion and tightly connecting with said cursor, and also
including a pull-tab latching mechanism for locking said cursor to
said end clamp, configured so that the portions are impenetrably
squeezed together as said cursor and said end clap engage.
17. An interlocking closure as in claim 9, with said membrane
extending laterally as a selvage strip.
18. An interlocking closure as in claim 2, wherein said cursor
includes an integral pull tab with optional latching means, which
may be used to securely connect with the choice of a second said
cursor in opposite disposition or with an end cap.
19. An interlocking closure as in claim 9, wherein said cursor
includes an integral pull tab with latching means, which may be
used to securely connect with the choice of a second said cursor in
opposite disposition or with an end cap.
20. A method of interlocking two bodies which is highly resistant
to the flow of liquid, gaseous, or biological matter, comprising
the following steps: a. Providing first and second portions as per
claim 1; b. Integrally attaching said first portion to a first
body; c. Integrally attaching said second portion to a second body;
d. Generally aligning said nodules of said first portion with said
receptor openings of said second portion; e. sequentially
compressing said first portion toward said second portion, until
corresponding said nodules resiliently expand into said receptors
and undersides of corresponding respective nodules and said rib
tops generally align along said common joining plane; thereby
interlocking said first and second bodies in a generally
impermeable disposition.
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 includes a variety of pressure sealing zippers,
zip-lock type closures, multitrack systems, as well as thermal and
chemical seals. For example: Krupp, U.S. Pat. No. 2,385,816,
describes a zipper surrounded with overlapping rubber flaps. Brown,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,982,016 and 4,308,644, discloses interdigitating
edge connectors combined with an elastic pressure strip operated by
a slide mechanism. More recently, Yadav et al, U.S. Pat. No.
9,248,322, presents a protective suit with zipper closure protected
by an overlapping flap. McLachlan, U.S. Pat. No. 9,675,144
discloses a pair of overlapping flaps providing a double barrier
over a choice of zipper, Velcro or magnetic closure. 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.
[0004] A variety of multi-track zip fasteners such as those used
for reclosable plastic bags as disclosed by Herrington, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,532,652, and Nanba et al, U.S. Pat. No. 9,550,617, and
others, may also provide self-sealing edge closures. 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] Closure systems including pluralities of interdigitating
protrusions, such as Tuma, U.S. Pat. No. 8,839,495, Morar, U.S.
Pat. No. 10,292,462, Dyllong, U.S. Pat. No. 9,775,411, and Bronson,
U.S. Pat. No. 10,342,300, each have certain advantages, though do
not appear to provide the simplicity and potential sealing
redundancy of the present invention.
[0007] A number of fastening systems have been proposed which
incorporate pluralities of interlocking protrusions such as Kaneko,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,853, Adams et al, U.S. Pat. No. 9,198,483, and
Tempesta, U.S. Pat. No. 9,565,903. Generally, the protrusions are
on some form of stem, thus allowing flow between and below the
coupling. While unique as fastening mechanisms, these systems do
not appear to provide an effectively sealing connection.
[0008] The present inventor, in Duffy, U.S. Pat. No. 7,950,114,
teaches a device including dome-like protrusions integral with a
grid structure which provides a relatively high degree of gaseous
or liquid security when static, but might potentially leak during
excessive flexure. Illustrated as Prior Art.
[0009] Therefore, there remains a need for an easy to use, durable,
effective self-sealing flexible closure.
DRAWINGS
[0010] The attached drawings are intended to schematically
illustrate the basic elements of the closure system.
[0011] FIG. 1: Perspective view of the self-sealing closure
partially engaged
[0012] FIG. 2A: Plan view of a portion of the closure
[0013] FIG. 2B: Longitudinal section of a first portion
[0014] FIG. 2C: Longitudinal section of the engaged portions
[0015] FIG. 2D: Longitudinal section of a second portion
[0016] FIG. 2E: Lateral section of first portion
[0017] FIG. 2F: Lateral section of engaged portions
[0018] FIG. 2G: Lateral section of second portion with attached
substrate
[0019] FIG. 3A: Plan view of quadrille pattern
[0020] FIG. 3B: Plan view of diagonal pattern
[0021] FIG. 4A: Longitudinal section of sliding cursor
[0022] FIG. 4B: Cross section of cursor at divider strip
[0023] FIG. 4C: Side view of cursor
[0024] FIG. 4D: End view of cursor, mouth end
[0025] FIG. 5: Longitudinal section End Cap
[0026] FIG. 6A-D: Schematic Examples of Potential Applications
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The Self-Sealing Closure System includes two generally
hermaphroditic overlapping portions, at least segments of which are
resiliently flexible, with each portion including a grid-like base
structure with a contiguous bottom membrane enclosing a plurality
of receptor chambers, and a plurality of corresponding dome-like
protrusions which may be pressed into respective corresponding
receptors to bond and seal the portions together with optional
reopening and reuse. A key feature of this mechanism is that the
generally flat bottom surfaces of dome-like protrusions are
effectively flush with the top surface of the ribs of the grid as
well as with the bottom surfaces of corresponding protrusions along
a common joining plane, thereby providing an effectively
self-sealing continuous joining plane while the contiguous bottom
membrane provides a secondary redundant level of closure.
[0028] As an edge closure, the nodules and receptors may be arrayed
in either a diagonal or quadrille pattern, and may include one or
more longitudinal rows of those elements, with multiple rows
providing greater strength and redundancy. A continuous
longitudinal rail provides a redundant sealing barrier as well as a
guide for a cursor as described below.
[0029] The system also includes an integral lateral selvage strip
for attaching to a substrate by welding or other means. The selvage
strip is preferably configured so that its upper surface is
coplanar with the joining plane, thereby minimizing offset stresses
when subjected to lateral sheer.
[0030] The portions are engaged by application of a generally
compressive force to the generally aligned components, which force
may be affected by application of compression such as finger/thumb
pressure, or preferably by the disclosed longitudinally sliding
cursor.
[0031] The cursor includes a structure with a separating bar and a
compressive slot, so that when moved in a first longitudinal
direction the portions are drawn together and interlocked and when
moved in an opposite direction the portions are sequentially
separated. The cursor also includes a pull-tab with a locking
mechanism which may be latched to either another cursor in opposed
direction or to an end cap.
[0032] An optional self-sealing end cap with a latching edge for
receiving the locking mechanism is also included to provide a
completely sealed connection.
[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.
[0039] The invention may be applied to a wide range of edge
fastener applications including: an, zipper replacement, hook and
loop (i.e. Velcro.RTM.), snaps, laces, or other edge connections
especially where water resistance is desirable; as a sealing
closure for specialty apparel such as CBI or medical protective
equipment; for fire safety equipment, flight-suits, etc., when made
of silicone (LSR); as an air lock for medical or outer space
applications; as a self-sealing closure for containment structures
ranging from plastic food or waste bags to pouches, boxes,
equipment covers, truck tarps, etc. (I suggest you rework this
section as separate lists.) Generally, such edge closure
applications require inclusion of a lateral selvage strip for
attachment to a substrate material; however, the present closure
system may also be used, without such a lateral selvage, as a
linear connection, such as for a strap, band, wrap, or belt,
wherein the portions are adjustably overlapped longitudinally to
provide an effectively blind connection.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] As used herein, the terms "top" and "bottom" are intended as
relative only in respect to describing the configuration of parts
of the invention and have no relationship to gravitational
position. Likewise, the term "plane", as in "common joining plane"
is intended to describe only the relative juxtaposition of parts in
a static state, in lieu of a continuing geometric abstraction, thus
the effective joining plane of the generally elastic and flexible
structures may bend or twist relative to common orthogonal
orientation. The term "elastomeric" is intended to include a
selection or rubber-like materials which are both flexible and
resilient with sufficient shape memory to function as designed. The
term "containment device" is intended to include a wide range of
bags, boxes, luggage, and similar devices.
[0041] As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the
Self-Sealing Closure System includes a first portion 01 for
interconnecting with a second portion 02, the portions being
effectively hermaphroditic. Each portion includes a plurality of
geometrically arranged nodules 03, each such nodule having a
generally bulbous upper surface 04 and a generally planar underside
05 which is coincident with a common joining plane 14.
[0042] Segments of the underside 05 overhang receptors 06, whilst
other segments are coincident with rib tops 09 at the interstices
of ribs 07. The ribs 07 are in general arrayed as a grid-like
structure; each such rib 07 having a rib top 09, sidewalls 10, and
rib bottom 11, wherein the rib top 09 is also coincident with the
common joining plane 14 and the undersides 05.
[0043] Receptors 06 are defined by the undersides 05 of surrounding
nodules 03, a plurality of rib sidewalls 10, and a contiguous basal
membrane 12; the basal membrane being integral with the rib bottoms
11.
[0044] Each receptor 06 is associated with a receptor opening 13,
defined by the bulbous upper surfaces 04 of surrounding nodules
03.
[0045] The portions are configured so that the depth Z1 of each
receptor, measured from the common joining plane 14 to the membrane
12 is at least as deep as the height Z2 of each nodule 03 from the
joining plane 14; the width X1 of the space between ribs is at
least as large as the width X2 of each Nodule 03; and the distance
Y1 between adjacent nodules 03 is at least as great as the width Y2
of each rib top.
[0046] Therefore, when at least segments of at least one portion
01,02 are resiliently elastic the corresponding respective nodules
03,03' of each portion may be squeezed through corresponding
receptor openings 13,13' by application of a relative compressive
force C, and resiliently expand into a corresponding respective
receptor 06,06', so that the first portion 01 is interlocked with
the second portion 02, with each nodule 03 entrapped within a
corresponding receptor 06; the undersides 05 of each corresponding
nodule and corresponding rib tops 09 are congruent with the common
joining plane 14, so that the nodules of each portion retain each
other, thereby providing a generally impermeable seal between the
portions 01,02 and generally resisting release except by
sequentially pulling nodules 03 from their respective receptors 06.
The basal membrane 12 provides redundant enclosure of the portions
so as to further resist inadvertent leakage in the event of
concentrated stress at the joining plane 14.
[0047] The nodules 03 and associated receptors 06 may be arrayed in
either a quadrille or diagonal pattern relative to the longitudinal
axis as illustrated in FIGS. 3 A-B. As an edge closure, a single
longitudinal row of half-nodules and receptors arrayed in a
diagonal pattern, represents the effective minimum closure width,
although preferred embodiments for critical sealing applications,
would generally include at least one row of full nodules 03, as in
FIG. 3B, for greater strength and redundancy.
[0048] A preferred embodiment also includes a continuous
longitudinal rail 15 to affect a redundant sealing edge as well as
to affect an alignment guide for engaging the portions.
[0049] Portions 01,02 of a preferred embodiment also each include a
lateral selvage strip 16 for attaching the portion to a substrate
17. The selvage strip is preferably configured so that its upper
surface is coincident with the joining plane 14, thereby minimizing
torquing of the enjoined assembly due to lateral or torsional sheer
forces.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, receptors 06 have a somewhat
greater volume than the volume of nodules 03, resulting in void
spaces 18, so as to allow the nodules to resiliently expand into
their original shape within the confines of corresponding
receptors. A volumetric differential of approximately 10-15% is
preferred. At least segments of at least one of the portions 01,02
is made of a flexible resilient material such as rubber,
thermoplastic urethane (TPU), silicone rubber, or other flexible
resilient material, so that the nodules 03 may be deformably
inserted through the relatively narrow receptor openings 13 and
resiliently expand into their respective receptors 06.
[0051] Although the portions 01,02 may be engaged by application of
a general compressive force, such as pressure applied between thumb
and forefinger to generally aligned unconnected portions, a
preferred embodiment also includes a longitudinally sliding cursor
20.
[0052] As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4 A-D, the cursor 20
includes: a structure with an entrance chamber 21 with longitudinal
aligning walls 22, and a separator bar 23 separating distinct
entrance slots for each portion 01,02, above and below such bar.
The cursor also includes: a longitudinally tapered chamber 24 for
pressing nodules 03,03' into corresponding respective receptor
openings 13,13', the chamber 24 terminating at a compressive slot
25; a generally expanding exit chamber 26 terminating at a
chamfered or rounded mouth 27; slotted edges 28 to allow passage of
the selvage strips 16,16' associated with each portion; and means
for applying longitudinal opening and closing forces A,B via a pull
tab 30 or thumb tab 33.
[0053] The cursor 20 is configured so that each portion 01,02 can
easily slide through entrance chamber 21, tapered chamber 24, exit
chamber 26, and slotted edges 28, confined and laterally directed
via aligning walls 22. Compressive slot 25 is configured to confine
and sequentially squeeze respective resilient nodules 03 fully into
their corresponding receptors 06.
[0054] As the cursor 20 is directed in a first longitudinal
direction A, the nodules 03 of each portion 01,02 are sequentially
pressed through respective receptor openings 13, then fully
squeezed into their corresponding receptors 06 so that the nodules
03 may resiliently expand, resulting in respective corresponding
undersides 05 and rib tops 09 securely interfaced along the common
joining plane 14. As the cursor 20 is directed in an opposite
longitudinal direction B, the portions 01,02 are sequentially
separated by the separator bar 23 and exit separately through their
respective slots at the entrance chamber 21.
[0055] As illustrated here in FIGS. 4 A-D, the cursor 20 is
preferably made as a single molded part of a relatively strong
stiff thermoplastic or metal capable of providing sufficient
structural integrity to retain the "S" shaped cross section and
provide consistent compressive strength at the compressive slot
25.
[0056] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, pull tab
30 is connected by a hinge to the cursor 20 to provide means for
applying lateral force to the device, and to fold flat against the
cursor structure when not being used. The pull tab is here
illustrated as being connected via a "living hinge" 31 as may be
utilized with certain thermoplastics. However, the pull tab 30 may
also be connected via any type of a hinging pin and slot mechanism
as are commonly known in the field of zippers.
[0057] The pull tab 30 preferably includes a locking mechanism 32,
which is an integral latch projecting slightly less than
perpendicular from pull tab 30 at or near its terminus. The locking
mechanism 32 is configured so as to effect a tight and secure
connection with either a second cursor 20' in opposite orientation
or with an end cap 40.
[0058] For many applications, such as in protective apparel, it may
be convenient to include a combination as illustrated or sets of
pull tabs on opposite faces.
[0059] A simple perpendicularly projecting thumb tab 33 may be
integrally molded as part of the cursor 20, as also shown for
illustrative convenience in FIG. 4 projecting from the opposite
face of the cursor from the pull tab 30. For many applications such
as in protective apparel it may be convenient to include a
combination as illustrated or sets of pull tabs 30 on opposite
faces of the cursor.
[0060] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, an end cap 40 is
included in the preferred closure system to seal together two
portions 01, 02 at a closed-end terminus. The end cap 40 includes a
single opening chamber 41 corresponding with entry chamber 21 of a
cursor 20, the opening chamber 41 tapering to a pinching segment 42
and having faces 43 configured to interface precisely into the
cursor entry chamber 21. The end cap also includes a latching edge
44 for tightly receiving and latching with locking mechanism 32 of
pull tab 30. Therefore, when terminal selvage segments 16,16' of a
longitudinal set of portions 01, 02 are fully sealed together
within end cap 40, and the cursor 20 is pulled tightly to the end
cap 40 and latched in place with locking mechanism 32, the portions
become impermeably interlocked to provide a fully sealed
system.
[0061] As examples of potential applications, FIGS. 6A-D
schematically illustrate several generic articles incorporating the
present invention in diverse configurations:
[0062] FIG. 6A schematically illustrates a fully sealed protective
garment with integral headpiece in which a closed ended embodiment
of the present closure equipped with cursor 20 and end cap 40
extends generally diagonally from a shoulder to opposite hip.
[0063] FIG. 6B schematically illustrates a front opening jacket,
such as outerwear for winter sports, having complementary portions
of the closure 01,02 on each edge, equipped with a cursor 20, for
providing a weather resistant sealed front which can also be
manually pinched together at any point 50 to allow partial closure
and ventilation. Fully opening embodiments of this type require a
simple mechanical stop 51 at each end of the portion on which the
cursor 20 resides.
[0064] FIG. 6C schematically illustrates a waterproof boot with an
open-ended embodiment of the closure equipped with cursor 20'.
[0065] FIG. 6D illustrates a weatherproof equipment bag with a
closed end embodiment of the closure equipped with two cursors
20,20' in opposite orientations connected via locking mechanism
32.
[0066] Therefore, a method of interlocking two bodies in a sealed
juxtaposition includes the following steps: First, providing first
and second portions of the device as described above; secondly,
integrally attaching the portions to the respective bodies;
thirdly, generally aligning nodules of the first portion with
receptor openings of the second portion; and fourth, sequentially
compressing the portions together until the nodules of each portion
are fully engages within their respective corresponding
receptors.
[0067] As can be seen from the above examples, the self-sealing
closure system has a wide variety of potential functions which may
or may not include all of the elements described above to fulfill
any one such function. The elements may be manufactured in a range
of elastomeric materials and at virtually any scale within the
capacity of known manufacturing methods (3D printing, injection
molding, continuous rotary die molding, etc.).
* * * * *