a rim space sealing device comprising a peripheral sealing ring of over - lapped shoe segments attached to a floating cover within a storage tank . spring loaded hanger - pushers and horizontal springs keep the peripheral sealing ring of shoe segments pressed against the tank wall and also keep the floating cover centered within the tank . the space between the peripheral sealing ring of shoe segments and the floating cover is covered by a flexible fabric that prevents product loss . vertical movement of the individual shoe segments over each other is prevented by a series of circumferentially arranged rods . the over - lap of the shoe segments is restricted by a series of bars forming expansion - contraction spaces .