Abstract: A flexible connector apparatus for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a bellows for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an attachment construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows to at least one of the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus may include a liner tube structure having inlet and outlet liner tubes.

Abstract: A flexible connector apparatus for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a bellows for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an attachment construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows to at least one of the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus may include a liner tube structure having inlet and outlet liner tubes.

Abstract: Vibration decoupler apparatuses, for decoupling vibrations, for example, between first and second the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a resilient flexible sealing member (bellows) for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an annular vibration damping member connecting a down pipe to a mounting member for permitting restricted axial, lateral and angular movement of the downpipe, relative to the mounting member, which may be affixed to an exhaust manifold, for example. The apparatus also includes a sealing construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows. An alternative construction positions the vibration damping member between the decoupler apparatus and the downstream component.

Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for joining successive exhaust system components in an exhaust system for a vehicle. An inner liner tube is concentrically received by an outer liner tube. A substantially porous, non-sealing, vibration absorbing spacer member is arranged between the liner tubes where they overlap, to preclude direct contact between the liner tubes. The spacer member is non-sealing to preclude deterioration while minimizing interference with the reciprocation and articulation of the liner tubes. A flexible, resilient sealing member, such as a bellows, mechanically and sealingly connects the liner tubes at their distant non-overlapped ends, to prevent escape of exhaust gases. The liner tubes and the spacer member are provided with a non-circular, preferably polygonal or lobed, cross-sectional configurations, for providing protection of the bellows from torsional forces being propagated from one of the exhaust system components, toward the other.

Abstract: A vibration decoupling exhaust connector is provided having a flange for mounting the connector to a flange or housing surface of an exhaust system component, such as an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. A liner tube is resiliently supported in the flange, by a vibration damping resilient metal mesh ring. A bellows is sealingly connected to the liner tube and the flange, in order to provide flexible sealing of the connector, for substantially precluding escape of exhaust gases from the joint when the connector is in place.

Abstract: A vibration decoupling connector apparatus, for decoupling vibrations, for example, along the components of an internal combustion engine exhaust system. The flexible connector apparatus is provided for connecting first and second components in the exhaust system, and includes a bellows for accommodating relative movement between the first and second components. The flexible connector apparatus includes an annular vibration damping member connecting a down pipe to a mounting member for permitting restricted axial, lateral and angular movement of the down pipe, relative to the mounting member, which may be affixed to an exhaust manifold, for example. The apparatus also includes a sealing construction which enables weldless, gasketless connection of the bellows.