Patent ID: 6508277
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: F01N,F16L

Abstract:
A flexible pipe comprising:a) a pipe body that extends along a central longitudinal axis, the pipe body including a strip that is helically wrapped in a plurality of convolutions, the strip including inner and outer hook portions that interlock to form an interlock seam between adjacent convolutions; b) the pipe body including a mid-portion positioned between first and second end portions; c) at least the first end portion having an axial length L1 that traverses at least several of the convolutions of the pipe body, the first end portion having an outer diameter D1 that is defined along the axial length L1; d) the mid-portion defining an outer diameter D2; e) the first end portion being crushed radially inward relative to the mid-portion such that the outer diameter D1 is smaller than the outer diameter D2; f) the pipe body including a first transition region positioned between the first end portion and the mid-portion that provides a diameter transition between the outer diameter D1 and the outer diameter D2, the first transition region having an axial length L2 that traverses at least one of the convolutions of the pipe body; and g) the first end portion having an exposed inner surface such that a pipe can be inserted within the first end portion and clamped directly against the inner surface to provide a lap joint.