Patent ID: 8453784

Claim:
Exhaust system protection device for installation on an exhaust system for a vehicle to protect a component of the exhaust system comprising: a first locking collar that is configured to be removably or permanently positioned around an exhaust system, 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 system of the vehicle; a second locking collar that is removably or permanently positioned around the exhaust system, the second locking collar being positioned adjacent the second end of the component and defining an opening having opposed ends that is designed to fit around the exhaust system of the vehicle; the first and second locking collars having a first portion positioned on one side of the exhaust system and a second portion positioned on the opposite side of the exhaust system, the first and second portions having opposed ends; the first portion having a threaded aperture located on each of the opposed ends; the second portion having a passageway located on each of the opposed ends, the passageways being in alignment with the threaded apertures located on the first portion; a security cover position over the passageways on each end of the second portion, the security cover extending from the second portion in a direction towards the first portion, the security covers extending over the threaded apertures on the first portion when the first and second portion are positioned around the exhaust system, a bolt positioned in each passageway on the second portion, the bolts engaging the threaded aperture on the first portion to secure the first and second locking collars on the exhaust system, the security cover restricting access to the bolts to reduce unauthorized removal of the bolts; 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 system 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 systems; and at least one elongated member extending from the first locking collar to the second locking collar; the elongated member being positioned around the component to prevent the component from being removed from the exhaust system.