Patent ID: 6494503
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A method for sealing an end of a pipe to an external sealing surface, said method comprising:providing a pipe assembly comprising a pipe and a flange, wherein the pipe comprises a proximal pipe end and a flared end region; wherein the flared end region is proximate to and continuous with the proximal pipe end; and wherein the flange is non-integrally and loosely disposed around the pipe distal to the pipe's flared end region; securing, non-integrally and distally to the pipe's flared end region, the flange to the pipe so that proximal movement of the flange relative to the pipe is restricted; and drawing the flange toward the external sealing surface, wherein said drawing causes the flange sealing surface to bias the pipe's flared end region into sealing contact with the external sealing surface, wherein the pipe is a multi-laminate pipe comprising an innermost laminate and an outermost laminate and wherein the flared end region is integral with the innermost laminate of the pipe and comprises substantially no outermost laminate.