Patent ID: 7971676

Claim:
Exhaust system protection device for installation on an exhaust pipe of an exhaust system for a vehicle to protect a component of the exhaust system comprising: a first locking collar that is configured to be removable or permanently positioned around an exhaust pipe, the first locking collar being positioned adjacent the first end of the component and defining an opening that is designed to fit around the exhaust pipe of the vehicle; a second locking collar that is removable or permanently positioned around the exhaust pipe, the second locking collar being positioned adjacent the second end of the component and defining an opening that is designed to fit around the exhaust pipe of the vehicle; a recess located in the first and second locking collars adjacent the opening, the recess extending radially away from the opening and into the interior of the first and second locking collars; an insert positioned in the recess in the first and second locking collars, the insert extending from the recess and defining an arc, the arc being sized to fit in close proximity around the exhaust pipe of the vehicle whereby different inserts can be positioned in the first and second locking collars to allow the device to be used with vehicles having different sized exhaust pipes; and a plurality of elongated members extending from the first locking collar to the second locking collar; the plurality of elongated members being positioned around the component to prevent the component from being removed from the exhaust system.