Patent ID: 7241426

Claim:
A catalytic converter subassembly comprising: a cast exhaust manifold defining a collector body manifold wall; a catalytic converter shell, having an end portion thereof cast in place within said manifold wall to effect a sealed interconnection therebetween; a catalyst substrate disposed in said catalytic converter shell; a mat support material disposed between said catalytic converter shell and said catalyst substrate; and a mat protection ring disposed substantially concentrically within said shell and including opposed first and second ends, wherein said first end of said mat protection ring is cast in place within said manifold wall adjacent the end portion of the catalytic converter shell, and the second end of said mat protection ring penetrating at least a portion of said mat support material, wherein said collector body manifold wall, catalytic converter shell and mat protection ring define cooperating integral retention features operative to affix the end portion of the catalytic converter shell and the first end of the mat protection ring within the cast collector body manifold wall.