through a gap 52 disposed between a first component 54 and a second component 56 in the present embodiment each component 54 56 is stationary and spaced apart to form the gap 52 a seal assembly 58 restricts leakage of the fluid 36 or 40 through the gap 52 in other configurations of the present seal arrangement 50 one of the components 54 or 56 is rotating or both of the components 54 and 56 are rotating at identical or varying speeds and directions a linear seal assembly 58 fits over a shoulder 94 and against a seat 62 formed in the first component 54 the seal assembly 58 is secured to the first component 54 by fastening means 64 such as tabs bolts rivets welding or by any other means known in the art the seal assembly 58 is comprised of a back plate 66 a side plate 68 and a plurality of leaf strips 70 sandwiched by and secured to the plates 66 68 the back plate 66 and side plate 68 are rectangular shaped members a back plate width 96 is greater than a side plate width 98 to provide downstream support for the leaf strips 70 while subjected to the illustrated fluid 36 or 40 flow direction the plates 66 68 are made of any suitable high temperature and corrosion resistant material such as a nickel based alloy for gas turbine engine applications the assembly and operation of the present embodiment are similar to the initially described embodiment and will not be replicated here for brevity while the present invention has been described in the context of specific embodiments for use in the gas turbine engine industry it is recognized that other industries would similarly benefit from the inventive seal arrangements other alternatives modifications and variations.