Abstract: An improved clamp assembly for clamping the overlapping ends of metal tubes in an exhaust system. The clamp assembly includes a metal ring having a pair of overlapping end portions disposed in side-by-side contact. A generally U-shaped bracket is secured to each of the end portions and each bracket has a pair of opposed legs connected by a web portion. Extensions project longitudinally outward from the end of each leg and the extensions are offset laterally from each other. One leg of each bracket is welded to one of the end portions of the ring and the welded leg is bent adjacent the weld to position the first extension in slidable contact with the other end portion of the ring. The extension of the opposite leg is disposed in side-by-side relation with the first extension and also serves to slidably receive the opposite end portion of the ring.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for clamping unslotted overlapping ends of metal tubes in an exhaust system. The clamp assembly includes a metal ring having a generally circular cross section and the ends of the ring are in overlapping contacting relation. One leg of a generally U-shaped bracket is secured to each overlapping end, while the other leg of the bracket engages the outer surface of the other end of the ring to urge the overlapping ends of the ring into contacting relation. A bolt extends through the aligned openings in the brackets, and the axis of the bolt is in a plane passing through the line of contact between the overlapping ends. The head of the bolt bears against the side edge of one bracket while a nut threaded on the opposite end of the bolt bears against the side edge of the other bracket. By threading down the bolt, the ring is contracted in diameter to provide a low cost, strong, 360.degree. closure for clamping the tubes.

Abstract: An exhaust muffler having a protective shield to reduce noise radiation and to decrease the temperature of the exhaust gases being discharged from the muffler. The muffler is composed of an outer body enclosed at its ends by flanges, and an outer insulated shell is spaced outwardly from the body and is connected to the peripheral edges of the flanges. Holes are provided in the flanges which communicate with the space between the shell and the body so that air is drawn by convection through the space between the outer body and the shell. A tubular member is spaced outwardly of the outlet pipe of the muffler and the outer end of the tubular member projects outwardly beyond the outer end of the outlet pipe.