Jay Dean Tripp
Engineering at Jefferson Davis Ave, Biloxi, MS

6494503, Dec 17, 2002

Mar 25, 2000

09/536162

Glenn C. Heubach - Mobile AL
Jay D. Tripp - Biloxi MS

Non Metallic Resources, Inc. - Mobile AL

F16L 2300

285405, 285414, 285415, 285363, 2852221

The present invention relates to a method for sealing an end of a pipe, to an external sealing surface. The method includes providing a pipe assembly which includes a pipe and a flange. The pipe includes a proximal pipe end and a flared end region. The flared end region is integral with the pipe and is proximate to and continuous with the proximal pipe end. The flange is non-integrally disposed around the pipe distal to the pipes flared end region. The method further includes securing, non-integrally and distally to the pipes flared end region, the flange to the pipe so that proximal movement of the flange relative to the pipe is restricted. The flange is drawn toward the external sealing surface, which causes the flange sealing surface to bias the pipes flared end region into sealing contact with the external sealing surface. Pipe assemblies which include a backup ring having a tapered inside surfaces and a flange having tapered outside surfaces are also discussed. The methods and assemblies disclosed herein are particularly useful for joining lengths of multi-laminate, especially dual-laminate, pipe.