As has been mentioned before, It would probably keep the rubber from
rotting from the inside.

During a submarine patrol, I did an experiment where I put Lettuce and
tomatoes in sealed containers and purged the air with nitrogen.  The
veggies were still fresh two months later.

I submitted an extensive report as to how we could keep vegetables fresh
throughout a patrol.  The Navy came back with, essentially, "Knock it
off .... don't make waves".  I guess they didn't want the added headache
and expense and didn't want anyone to know that more than was being done
was actually possible.

Mike Collum STSC (SS) (DV) USN RET