Patent Publication Number: US-11027889-B1

Title: Flexible magnetic and interlocking sealing apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/668,714, filed on May 8, 2018, entitled “FLEXIBLE MAGNETIC AND INTERLOCKING SEALING APPARATUS,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/685,884, filed on Jun. 15, 2018, entitled “FLEXIBLE MAGNETIC AND INTERLOCKING SEALING APPARATUS,” the entire disclosure of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to a watertight closure and more specifically, to a sealing closure which is flexible, interlocking, and stable to mechanical deformations. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,966,174 (referred hereafter as the Gooper patent), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a sealable closure comprising a flexible first strip, a flexible second strip, and a flexible third strip, wherein each strip has a predetermined uniform thickness and includes a plurality of magnetic elements. The first and second strips provide a first seal when the first and second strips are brought together and the magnetic elements of the strips thereof attract each other, and the first, second, and third strips provide a second seal when the magnetic elements of the strips thereof magnetically attract each other. 
     However, there are limitations with the flexible magnetic strips of the Gooper patent. For example, the strips have a predetermined uniform thickness, which provide for a sealing closure susceptible to separation when the strips are misaligned. The use of magnetic elements such as Neodymium improve sealing strength between flexible strips, however, the misalignment of the strips with uniform thicknesses minimize the sealing strength. Separation would inevitably permit unwanted entry of external materials and undesired water leakage. Therefore, there is a need to use non-uniform, magnetic strips with interlocking guides within the flexible magnetic strips for self-alignment of the strips, which contribute to a stronger sealing closure while maintaining easy closure opening. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes these and other deficiencies of the prior art by providing a sealing closure made of flexible magnetic strips with a non-uniform thickness, which provide an improved interlocked seal in addition to a magnetic seal. The sealing closure has strips with at least one guide that aligns automatically with another strip when the two strips are brought together to create a more secure sealing closure. The present invention can be used in various applications including but not limited to aquatic environments under high pressure. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a magnetic sealing closure, comprises: a first flexible strip, having a first side and a second side, with a plurality of cavities having a plurality of magnetic elements therein, the second side of the first flexible strip having a raised portion; a second flexible strip, having a first side and a second side, with a plurality of cavities having a plurality of magnetic elements therein; a third flexible strip, having first side and a second side, with a plurality of cavities having a plurality of magnetic elements therein, the second side of the third flexible strip having a recessed portion corresponding to the raised portion of the second side of the first flexible strip; a first membrane coupled to the first side of the first strip, such that the plurality of magnetic elements of the first strip are flush mounted and embedded within the plurality of cavities between the first strip and the first membrane, the first membrane further coupled to the first side of the third strip, such that the plurality of magnetic elements of the third strip are flush mounted and embedded within the plurality of cavities between the third strip and the first membrane; and a second membrane coupled to the first side of the second strip, such that the plurality of magnetic elements of the second strip are flush mounted and embedded within the plurality of cavities between the second strip and the second membrane; wherein the first and the second strips provide a first seal when the first and the second strips are brought together from the first sides of the first and the second strips and magnetic elements of the first and the second strips magnetically attract each other, wherein the first and the third strips provide a second seal when the first, the second, and the third strips are subsequently brought together from the second sides of the first and the third strips and magnetic elements of the first and the third strips magnetically attract each other. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, each of the membranes have a predetermined static friction coefficient which substantially prevents movement of the membranes with respect to each other. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the membranes are walls of a sealable device. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the magnetic elements of the strips comprise a material selected from the group consisting of: Neodymium, Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), Samarium-Cobalt, or Electromagnet. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the first seal is stable to mechanical deformations selected from the group consisting of: bending, rotation, twisting, and/or tilting. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the first seal is flexible and water impermeable. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the strips and the membranes are sealingly connected via mechanical connection means, and the mechanical connection means are selected from the group consisting of: RF welding, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, sewing, via a seal tape, or gluing. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the sealing closure is incorporated in a sealable device which is selected from the group consisting of: a pouch, a bag, a sack, a pocket, a device useful for sterile purposes, a door with a frame, a tent, a greenhouse, or a waterproof pocket. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the second flexible strip has a non-uniform thickness. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the plurality of cavities of the first strip, the second strip, and the third strip are selected from the group consisting of: niches, recesses, pits, openings, holes, full openings, or apertures. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the sealing closure is manufactured according to a method selected from the group consisting of: extrusion, coextrusion, or molding. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the membranes each have a predetermined thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the membranes each have a predetermined thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the plurality of cavities of the strips are equally spaced between each other at a distance of between 2 mm and 8 mm, such that each magnetic element within each cavity of the plurality of cavities has a diameter of between 4 mm and 10 mm, and a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the first strip and the second strip have a width of between 10 mm and 20 mm, and the uniform predetermined thickness of the first strip and the second strip is between 1 mm and 3 mm. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the membranes and the strips comprise polymeric materials selected from the group consisting of: elastomer, rubber, TPR, TPE, TPU, HPU, Neoprane, Polyacrylates, Polyamides, Polyesters, Polycarbonates, Polyimides, Polystyrenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or Acrylic, polybutadiene, poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT), poly (ether sulfone) (PES, PES/PEES), poly(ether ketone)s (PEEK, PES/PEEK), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene glycol) (PEG), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVDF), or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the predetermined static friction coefficient of the membranes is between 0.01 and 0.99. 
     In another embodiment of the magnetic sealing closure as defined above, the predetermined static friction coefficient of the membranes is between 0.1 and 0.6. 
     In another embodiment, a magnetic sealing closure, comprises: a first flexible strip, having a first side and a second side, with a plurality of cavities having a plurality of magnetic elements therein, the second side of the first flexible strip having a recessed portion; a second flexible strip, having a first side and a second side, with a plurality of cavities having a plurality of magnetic elements therein; a third flexible strip, having a first side and a second side, with a plurality of cavities having a plurality of magnetic elements therein, the second side of the third flexible strip having a raised portion corresponding to the recessed portion of the second side of the first flexible strip; a first membrane coupled to said first side of the first strip, such that the plurality of magnetic elements of the first strip are flush mounted and embedded within said plurality of cavities between the first strip and the first membrane, said first membrane further coupled to the first side of the third strip, such that the plurality of magnetic elements of the third strip are flush mounted and embedded within the plurality of cavities between the third strip and the first membrane; and a second membrane coupled to the first side of the second strip, such that the plurality of magnetic elements of the second strip are flush mounted and embedded within the plurality of cavities between the second strip and the second membrane; wherein the first and the second strips provide a first seal when the first and the second strips are brought together from the first sides of the first and the second strips and magnetic elements of the first and the second strips magnetically attract each other, wherein the first and the third strips provide a second seal when the first, the second, and the third strips are subsequently brought together from the second sides of the first and the third strips and magnetic elements of the first and the third strips magnetically attract each other. 
     In another embodiment, a magnetic sealing closure, comprises: a first flexible strip, having a non-uniform thickness with one or more recesses or protrusions, a first side and a second side, with a plurality of cavities having a plurality of magnetic elements therein; a second flexible strip, having a first side and a second side, with a plurality of cavities having a plurality of magnetic elements therein; a third flexible strip, having a non-uniform thickness with one or more recesses or protrusions, a first side and a second side, with a plurality of cavities having a plurality of magnetic elements therein, the one or more recesses or protrusions of the third flexible strip mating to the one or more recesses or protrusions of the first flexible strip; a first membrane coupled to the first side of the first strip, such that the plurality of magnetic elements of the first strip are flush mounted and embedded within the plurality of cavities between the first strip and the first membrane, the first membrane further coupled to the first side of the third strip, such that the plurality of magnetic elements of the third strip are flush mounted and embedded within the plurality of cavities between the third strip and the first membrane; and a second membrane coupled to the first side of the second strip, such that the plurality of magnetic elements of the second strip are flush mounted and embedded within the plurality of cavities between the second strip and the second membrane; wherein the first and the second strips provide a first seal when the first and the second strips are brought together from the first sides of the first and the second strips and magnetic elements of the first and the second strips magnetically attract each other, wherein the first and the third strips provide a second seal when the first, the second, and the third strips are subsequently brought together from the second sides of the first and the third strips and magnetic elements of the first and the third strips magnetically attract each other. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, a sealing closure comprises a first flexible strip, a second flexible strip, a third flexible strip, a first membrane and a second membrane. The first, second, and third flexible strips each include a main axial member, a first side, a second side, a plurality of recessed areas, and a plurality of magnetic elements located within the plurality of recessed areas. The first and third flexible strips having a non-uniformed predetermined thickness defined by said first side and said second side. The first membrane is coupled to the first side of the first strip and is also coupled to the first side of the third strip. The second membrane is couple to the first side of the second strip. The first and second strips provide a first seal when the first and second strips magnetically attract each other. The first and third strips provide a second seal when the first, second, and third strips are brought together and the magnetic elements of the first and third strips magnetically attract each other. The non-uniformity allows for the sealing closure to further secure the first and second seals. 
     The present invention provides a low-cost, sealable device with an improved interlocked seal resulting from flexible magnetic strips with non-uniform thickness. 
     The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connections with the accompanying drawings described as follows. 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate specific embodiments of a sealing closure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates one preferred embodiment of a sealing closure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates one perspective view of one specific embodiment of a sealing closure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates one perspective view of another specific embodiment of a sealing closure; 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Further featured and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     The present invention provides a sealing closure that is flexible, magnetic, and interlocking, providing for an improved watertight magnetic seal. 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate a sealing closure according to an embodiment of the invention. Here, a first flexible strip  110 , a second flexible strip  120 , and a third flexible strip  130  are shown without a respective bag connected thereto.  FIG. 1A  illustrates the first flexible strip  110 . The first flexible strip  110  comprises a first main axial member  140 . The first main axial member  140  is flexible and can be made of plastic, rubber, polymer, silicone, elastomer, or similar materials, the identification of which is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The first flexible strip  110  further comprises a plurality of recessed areas  150   a - j  each having a magnetic element disposed therein. Magnetic elements may consist of Neodymium, Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), Samarium-Cobalt, Electromagnet or similar such elements. Although ten recessed areas are depicted, any number of recessed areas may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The first flexible strip  110  is coupled to a first grip extension  105 . The first grip extension  105  has at least one raised axial guide  135  (although three are shown as exemplary embodiment of the invention). The first flexible strip  110  has a first side (depicted in  FIG. 1A ) and a second backside (not shown). In an embodiment of the invention, the first flexible strip  110  has a non-uniform thickness defined by the first and second sides. For example, the second side has at least one raised axial guide. In another embodiment the first side has at least one raised axial guide. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a second flexible strip  120 . The second flexible strip  120  comprises a second main axial member. The second main axial member is flexible and can be made of plastic, rubber, polymer, silicone, elastomer, or similar materials. The second flexible strip  120  is affixed to a second grip extension  145 . The second grip extension  145  has at least one raised axial guide  135  (not shown as it is present on the backside). The second flexible strip  120  further comprises a plurality of recessed areas having a plurality of magnetic elements (not shown). The second flexible strip  120  has a first side (depicted in  FIG. 1B ) and a second side (not shown). The second flexible strip  120  has a non-uniform thickness. For example, the first side has at least on raised protrusion  155  and at least one recessed edge  115 . In another embodiment the second side has at least one raised protrusion. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a third flexible strip  130 . The third flexible strip  130  comprises a third main axial member. The third main axial member is flexible and can be made of plastic, rubber, polymer, silicone, elastomer, or similar materials. The third flexible strip  130  further comprises a plurality of recessed areas having a plurality of magnetic elements (not shown). The third flexible strip  130  has a first side (depicted in  FIG. 1C ) and a second side (not shown). The third flexible strip has a non-uniform thickness defined by the first and second sides. For example, the second side has at least one recessed axial guide. In another embodiment the first side has at least one recessed axial guide  160 . Furthermore, the third flexible strip  130  may comprise holes  170  at each end for attachment to a lanyard. Ideally, the third flexible strip  130  is longer than the first and second flexible strips  110  and  120 , so that the holes  170  may be exposed. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a sealing closure  200  according to an embodiment of the invention. The sealing closure  200  comprises a first flexible strip  110 , a second flexible strip  120 , and a third flexible strip  130 . The first flexible strip  110  is affixed to a first grip extension  105  where the first grip extension has raised axial guides  135   a - c . The second flexible strip  120  is affixed to a second grip extension  145  with raised axial guides  204   a - c . The first set of raised axial guides  135   a - c  are positioned to grip the second set of raised axial guides  204   a - cc.    
     The first flexible strip  110  has a first side  216  and a second side  248 . The first flexible strip  110  comprises a plurality of recessed areas each having a magnet. One of the magnets is shown as  150   c . The second flexible strip  120  has a first side  226  and a second side  222 . The second flexible strip  120  comprises a plurality of recessed areas each having a magnet one of the magnets is shown as  228 . The first magnet  150   c  interacts with the second magnet  228  to create a seal between the first side  216  of the first flexible strip  110  and the second side  222  of the second flexible strip  120 . 
     The first flexible strip  110  has a non-uniform thickness defined by its first side  216  and second side  248 . The second flexible strip  120  has a uniform thickness defined by its first side  226  and second side  222 . The thickness across the second flexible strip  120  is uniform with no recessed edges or raised portions on the first side  226  or second side  222  of the second flexible strip  200 . The thickness across the first flexible strip  200  is non-uniform as illustrated by the second side  248  having a raised portion  210  with recessed edges  220 . In another embodiment the second flexible strip  120  can have a non-uniform thickness define by its first side and second side. 
     The third flexible strip  130  has a first side  218  and a second side  212 . The third flexible strip  130  comprises a plurality of recessed areas each having a magnet. One of the magnets is shown as  214 . The third flexible strip  130  has a non-uniform thickness defined by its first side  218  and second side  212 . The thickness across the third flexible strip  130  is non-uniform illustrated by the first side  218  having a recessed portion  250  with raised edges  260 . 
     The magnets  150   c  interacts with the third magnets  214  to create a seal between the second side  248  of the first flexible strip  110  and the first side  218  of the third flexible strip  130 . The raised portion  210  of the first flexible strip  110  fits into the recessed portion  250  of the third flexible strip  130  to further increase the seal. Additionally, the third magnet  214  interacts with the second magnet  228  to increase the seal between the first side  216  of the first flexible strip  110  and the second side of the second flexible strip  120 . 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of cavities also refers to recessed areas. The plurality of cavities of the first strip, the second strip, and the third strip may be niches, recesses, pits, openings, holes, full openings, or apertures. Further, the plurality of cavities of the strips are equally spaced between each other at a distance of between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, such that each magnetic element within each cavity of the plurality of cavities has a diameter of between about 4 mm and about 10 mm, and a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one perspective view of one specific embodiment of the invented sealable closure. The sealing closure  300  comprises a membrane  305 , first flexible strip  110 , second flexible strip  120 , and third flexible strip  130 . Wherein the first flexible strip  110 , second flexible strip  120 , and third flexible strip  130  all have non-uniform thickness. The membrane  305  is used as an enclosure that, when sealed, provides a barrier to protect the contents inside the membrane  305 . The membrane can have a predetermined thickness. For example, the predetermined thickness can be between about 0.05 mm and about 0.6 mm. In an example, the predetermined thickness can be between about 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. The membrane  305  can protect against a number of things including water, soda, and similar such intrusive elements. The membrane  305 , when unsealed, is open-ended at the top to allow an individual to place items into the membrane  305 . The membrane  305  can vary in size, color and shape. The membrane has a first side and a second side. When closed, the first flexible strip  110 , second flexible strip  120 , and third flexible strip  130  seal the membrane  305  protecting the contents inside the membrane  305 . 
     The first side of the membrane  305  is affixed to the first side of the first flexible strip  110 . The second side of the membrane  305  is affixed to the second side of the second flexible strip  120 . When the first set of magnets in the first flexible strip  110  interact with the second set of magnets in the second flexible strip  120  the first side  305  of the membrane and the second side of the membrane  305  are brought together creating a first seal preventing unwanted contents, such as water, from entering the top side of the membrane  305 . In certain cases, the membranes are walls of a sealable device. Examples of sealable devices include but are not limited to: a pouch, a bag, a sack, a pocket, a device useful for sterile purposes, a door with a frame, a tent, a greenhouse, or a waterproof pocket. 
     The first set of magnets of the first flexible strip  110  interacts with the third set of magnets of the third flexible strip  130  to create a second seal. The raised portion  210  of the first flexible strip  110  fits into the recessed portion  250  of the third flexible strip  130  to further increase the seal. The third set of magnets of the third flexible strip  130  also interacts with the second set of magnets of the second flexible strip  120  strengthening the first seal between the first and second side of the membrane  305 , which is between the first flexible strip  110  and the second flexible strip  120 . The first side of the membrane  305  is affixed to the second side of the third flexible seal  130 . In another embodiment the second side of the membrane is affixed to the first side of the third flexible seal  130 . In such an embodiment, the first set of magnets in the first flexible strip  110  interacts with the third set of magnets in the third flexible strip  130  causing the first and second side of the membrane  305  to be brought together creating an additional seal, preventing unwanted contents from entering the top side of the membrane  305 . Notably, the first seal is stable to mechanical deformations selected from the group consisting of: bending, rotation, twisting, and/or tilting. Further, the first seal is flexible and water impermeable. 
     In another embodiment the first side of the membrane  305  is affixed to the second side of the third flexible seal  130 . In such an embodiment, the second set of magnets in the second flexible strip  120  interacts with the third set of magnets in the third flexible strip  130  cause the first and second side of the membrane  305  to be brought together creating an additional seal, preventing unwanted contents from entering the top side of the membrane  305 . In such an embodiment, the second set of magnets of the second flexible strip  120  interacts with the third set of magnets of the third flexible strip  130  to create a seal. The raised portion  156  of the second flexible strip  120  fits into the recessed portion (not shown) of the third flexible strip  130  to further increase the seal. The third set of magnets of the third flexible strip  130  interact with the first set of magnets of the first flexible strip  110  strengthening the seal between the first and second side of the membrane, which are between the first flexible strip  110  and the second flexible strip  120 . 
     In specific examples, the strips and the membranes are sealingly connected via mechanical connection means, and wherein said mechanical connection means are selected from the group consisting of: RF welding, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, sewing, via a seal tape, or gluing. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates one perspective view of another specific embodiment of the invented sealable closure. The sealing closure comprises a membrane  420 , first flexible strip  415 , second flexible strip  450 , and third flexible strip  455 , wherein first flexible strip  415 , and third flexible strip  455  are of non-uniform thickness. 
     The first side of the membrane  420  is affixed to the first side of the first flexible strip  415 . The second side of the membrane  420  is affixed to the second side of the second flexible strip  450 . When the first set of magnets in the first flexible strip  415  interact with the second set of magnets in the second flexible strip  450  the first side of the membrane  420  and the second side of the membrane  420  are brought together creating a seal preventing unwanted contents from entering the top side of the membrane  420 . Each first and second membrane has a predetermined static friction coefficient which limits movement of the membranes with respect to each other. For example, the predetermined static friction coefficient of said membranes can be between 0.01 and 0.99. In another example, the predetermined static friction coefficient of said membranes can be between 0.01 and 0.6. 
     The first set of magnets of the first flexible strip  415  interacts with the third set of magnets of the third flexible strip  455  to create a second seal. The raised portion  405  of the first flexible strip  415  fits into the recessed portion  410  of the third flexible strip  455  to strengthen the seal. Without the raised portion  405  fitting into the recessed portion  410  the first flexible strip  415  and second flexible strip  455  could be misaligned. Misalignment weakens the seal for a number of reasons. For examples, if the first set of magnets of the first flexible strip  415  are misaligned with the third set of magnets of the third flexible strip  455  the full strength of the magnetic seal will not be utilized. The attractive force between two magnetics increases as the distance between them decreases. A misalignment will result in a greater distance between magnets resulting in a decrease in seal strength. 
     Additionally, the raised portions  425   a - 425   b  of the third flexible strip  455  help guide the raised portion  405  of the first flexible strip  415  to a self-aligned, sealing position. Instead of the user having to take time to align the first flexible strip  415  with the third flexible strip  455 , the raised portions  425   a - 425   b  facilitate automatic alignment of the strips to create an effective seal between the first flexible strip  455  and third flexible strip  455 . Once the seal is established the raised portions  425   a - 425   b  help strength the seal by further securing the first flexible strip  415  to the third flexible strip  455 . For example, in transit the sealable closure  400  can be bumped or dropped. Such force could cause the first flexible strip  415  to misalign from the third flexible strip  455 , or even break the seal. The raised portion  405  of the first flexible strip  415  interacting with the recessed portion  410  of the third flexible strip  455  prevents unsealing. 
     In addition to the third set of magnets of the third flexible strip  455  interacting with the first set of magnets of the first flexible strip  415 , the third set of magnets of the third flexible strip  455  also interacts with the second set of magnets of the second flexible strip  450 . The interaction between the third set of magnets of the third flexible strip  455  and the second set of magnets of the second flexible seal  450  strengthens the seal between the first set of magnets of the first flexible strip  415  and the second set of magnets of the second flexible strip  450 . 
     In specific embodiments, first strip and said second strip have a width of between 10 mm and 20 mm, and wherein said uniform predetermined thickness of said first strip and said second strip is between 1 mm and 3 mm. 
     The sealing closure can be manufactured by extrusion, coextrusion, or molding. The membranes and the strips can comprise polymeric materials including but not limited to: elastomer, rubber, TPR, TPE, TPU, HPU, Neoprane, Polyacrylates, Polyamides, Polyesters, Polycarbonates, Polyimides, Polystyrenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or Acrylic, polybutadiene, poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT), poly (ether sulfone) (PES, PES/PEES), poly(ether ketone)s (PEEK, PES/PEEK), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene glycol) (PEG), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVDF), or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). 
     The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for illustrative purposes only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following drawings and claims.