Patent ID: 6254140
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A flange segment structure shaped to be joined to at least one other such flange segment structure to form a flange structure which comprises:a first flange segment having two opposing flat surfaces and an inner generally semicylindrical surface joining said two opposing flat surfaces and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to said two opposing flat surfaces, said first flange segment including a plurality of curved tabs for joining said first flange segment to a second flange segment,said second flange segment having two opposing flat surfaces and an inner generally semicylindrical surface joining said two opposing flat surfaces and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to said two opposing flat surfaces, said second flange segment including a plurality of curved tabs for joining said second flange segment to said first flange structure,fastening means for fastening said first flange segment and said second flange segment to at least one third flange segment structure to form a flange structure, said fastening means extending in a direction generally perpendicular to a central axis of each said generally semicylindrical surface,at least one shim section attached to each said generally semicylindrical surface through a plurality of narrow bridge connections,and means for attaching each said flange segment structure to a substrate.