EXHAUST SYSTEM PROTECTION ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An exhaust system protection assembly is provided. The exhaust system protection assembly includes a first locking collar assembly positioned adjacent to an end of one or more valuable exhaust components. The first locking collar assembly has an opening configured to encircle a portion of a vehicle exhaust system. A second locking collar assembly is positioned adjacent to an opposing end of the one or more valuable exhaust components. The second locking collar assembly has an opening configured to encircle another portion of a vehicle exhaust system. A securing member is configured to engage the first and second locking collars in a looping pattern in a manner such as to encase the one or more valuable components.

Description

FIELD

This invention is directed to a protection device and more particularly a protection device that can be mounted on an exhaust system of a vehicle.

INTRODUCTION

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

In the recent past, most vehicles have had some sort of anti-pollution device incorporated into the exhaust system of the vehicle. In many instances, the primary pollution control device that is used is one or more catalytic converters that convert harmful engine exhaust pollutants into elements less harmful to the environment through an internal chemical reaction. As one non-limiting example, harmful exhaust pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide are converted into less harmful carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water.

Frequently, catalytic converters can contain precious metals, such as the non-limiting examples of platinum, palladium, and rhodium, to accomplish the conversion of the exhaust gases. Traditionally, the catalytic converter has been positioned in the exhaust system, near the engine and underneath the vehicle, and is connected to the exhaust pipe system for the vehicle. The placement of the catalytic converter provides for easy installation, inspection, repair, and replacement of the catalytic converter. However, in this position, the catalytic converter is readily accessible to thieves that are interested in removing the catalytic converter for its economic value. In many instances, a quick cut of the exhaust pipe on either side of the catalytic converter can provide a thief with easy and quick removal the catalytic converter from the vehicle.

With large vehicles, such as for example trucks, there is even more access to the bottom of the vehicle, making it even easier for a thief to access and remove a catalytic converter from a vehicle. With the high economic value of a catalytic converter, thieves have started to remove these components from the exhaust system of vehicles as an easy way to make money. The best targets for thieves are areas where trucks are stored overnight, as it is relatively easy to access the catalytic converters under the trucks. In addition, the catalytic converters used on trucks are larger in size and therefore have more value.

It is known that rental agencies that deal primarily with trucks and truck fleet operators have seen a significant increase in the instances of the theft of catalytic converters and other expensive exhaust system components in the last few years. As the components can be removed quickly, it is not unusual for several vehicles to be subjected to the removal of the valuable components from the exhaust system in a single rash of theft occurrences. The cost to the operator of the vehicle is significant as the replacement costs for the components are very high, the labor to repair the vehicle is expensive and the vehicle is removed from use until the repairs are made.

With the increase in instances of theft there is an increasing need in the market for a protection device that can be utilized to prevent and/or discourage the theft of such components from an exhaust system. At the same time, the protection device must be capable of being removed in a reasonable manner such that repairs can be made to the exhaust system if necessary.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an exhaust system protection device that allows for inspection of the exhaust system so that problems can be identified and repaired as quickly as possible.

SUMMARY

It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detail Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the exhaust system protection assembly.

The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are achieved by an exhaust system protection assembly. The exhaust system protection assembly includes a first locking collar assembly positioned adjacent to an end of one or more valuable exhaust components. The first locking collar assembly has an opening configured to encircle a portion of a vehicle exhaust system. A second locking collar assembly is positioned adjacent to an opposing end of the one or more valuable exhaust components. The second locking collar assembly has an opening configured to encircle another portion of a vehicle exhaust system. A securing member is configured to engage the first and second locking collars in a looping pattern in a manner such as to encase the one or more valuable components.

The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumerated are also achieved by a method of installing an exhaust system protection assembly. The method includes the steps of encircling a portion of a vehicle exhaust system with an opening of a first locking collar assembly positioned adjacent to an end of one or more valuable exhaust components, encircling another portion of a vehicle exhaust system with an opening of a second locking collar assembly positioned adjacent to an opposing end of one or more valuable exhaust components and engaging the first and second locking collars with a securing member in a looping pattern in a manner such as to encase the one or more valuable components.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this Summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a vehicle equipped with a novel exhaust system protection assembly, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the novel exhaust system protection assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first locking collar assembly of the novel exhaust system protective assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first half collar assembly of the first locking collar assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of opposing first and second frameworks of the first half collar assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of forming the first locking collar assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating installation of the novel exhaust system protection assembly of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Referring now to the Figures and in accordance with the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure, a novel exhaust system protection assembly (hereafter “protection assembly”) is provided. The protection assembly is configured to protect one or more valuable components entrained in an exhaust system of a vehicle, such as the non-limiting example of a catalytic converter, from theft. Generally, the protection assembly is configured to bracket the one or more valuable components with opposing locking collar assemblies that attach to the exhaust system. A securing member then engages the opposing locking collar assemblies to substantially encase the one or more valuable components.

The features of the invention will be more readily understood by referring to the attached drawings in connection with the following descriptive material.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a non-limiting example of a vehicle is shown generally at 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 has the form of a truck having a cab 12 and a rearwardly extending frame 14. It should be appreciated that the vehicle 10 can have other forms, including the non-limiting examples of automobiles, buses, campers, industrial vehicles, off-road vehicles and the like. It is further contemplated that the vehicle can have any form that incorporates one or more anti-pollution devices, such as the non-limiting examples of airplanes, train locomotives, motorcycles, boats and the like.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 includes an engine, shown schematically at 16. While the engine 16 is shown as being positioned in a forward portion of the vehicle, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the engine 16 can be positioned in other locations of the vehicle 10.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a portion of the engine 16 is coupled to an exhaust system 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the exhaust system 18 extends from the engine 16 to a rear portion of the frame 14, although such is not necessary. Positioned in-line with the exhaust system 18 is one or more valuable components 20. In the illustrated embodiment, a lone valuable component 20 is shown and has the form of a catalytic converter. The term “catalytic converter,” as used herein, is defined to mean any device, mechanism or structure configured to remove pollutants from the exhaust gases exiting the exhaust system 18. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the valuable component 20 can have other forms. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments, one or more devices, mechanisms and structures may be combined to form a valuable component system. The exhaust system 18 and more specifically the one or more valuable components 20 has been fitted with a novel exhaust system protection assembly 30.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the valuable component 20 and the novel exhaust system protection assembly (hereafter “protection assembly”) 30 are illustrated. The protection assembly 30 includes a first locking collar assembly 32 and an opposing second locking collar assembly 34. As will be explained in more detail below, a securing member 35 is configured to connect the first and second locking collar assemblies 32, 34 and in combination with the first and second locking collar assemblies 32, 34, is further configured to protect the one or more valuable components 20 from theft.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the first locking collar assembly 32 is illustrated in a dissembled arrangement. The first locking collar assembly 32 is representative of the second locking collar 34 (FIG. 2). The first locking collar assembly 32 is formed from a first half collar assembly 36 and a second half collar assembly 38. With one minor exception as will be detailed below, the first and second half collar assemblies 36, 38 are mirror images of each other. The first and second half collar assemblies 36, 38 are secured together with connecting hardware 40. The first half collar assembly 36 includes a first fitting 41a and an opposing second fitting 41b. Each of the fittings 41a, 41b forms an aperture therethrough configured as a clearance hole for the connecting hardware 40.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the second half collar assembly 38 includes a third fitting 43a and an opposing fourth fitting 43b. Each of the fittings 43a, 43b forms a threaded aperture therethrough. The threaded apertures are configured to receive the connecting hardware 40 in a manner such as to secure the first locking collar assembly 32 to the second locking collar assembly 34.

In certain embodiments, the connecting hardware 40 can be secured to the first half collar assembly 36 with a temporary retention member 42 until such time that the first and second half collar assemblies 36, 38 are secured together. In the illustrated embodiment, the temporary retention member 42 has the form of a polymeric-based material O-ring. However, in other embodiments, the retention member 42 can be formed from other suitable materials and can other forms suitable to temporarily secure the connecting hardware 40 to the first half collar assembly 36.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the first and second half collar assemblies 36, 38, when secured together, form an opening 44 that is located substantially in the center of the first and second half collar assemblies 36, 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 44 has the form of a circle and is configured to fit tightly around a component of the exhaust system 18, such as the non-limiting example of an exhaust pipe. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the opening 44 can form other desired shapes, such as the non-limiting example of a square, sufficient to fit tightly around a component of the exhaust system 18.

Referring again to FIG. 3, positioned around an outer periphery of each of the first and second half collar assemblies 36, 38 are a plurality of spaced apart securing member apertures 46. The plurality of securing member apertures 46 will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the first half collar assembly 36 is shown in an exploded view. The first half collar assembly 36 includes a first framework 50, a second framework 52 and a half collar 54. The first framework 50 includes the plurality of securing member apertures 46, a guide nub 56, a plurality of locating apertures 58, the first fitting 41a and an arcuate inner edge 62. The first and second frameworks 50, 52 are mirror images of each other. Accordingly, the second framework 50 also includes the plurality of securing member apertures 46, a guide nub 66, a plurality of locating apertures 68, the second fitting 41b and an arcuate inner edge 72. The guide nubs 56, 66 extend from the inner faces of the first and second frameworks 50, 52.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, in an assembled orientation, the first and second frameworks 50, 52 align with each other in a manner such that the plurality of securing member apertures 46 align, the guide nubs 56, 66 align, the plurality of locating apertures 58, 68 align and the arcuate inner edges 52, 72 align with each other. Further to the assembled orientation, the first and second fittings 41a, 41b of the first and second frameworks 50, 52 are positioned on opposing sides of the first and second locking collar assemblies 36, 38.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, once aligned the first and second frameworks 50, 52 are secured together. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second frameworks 50, 52 are secured together by spotwelding. However, other suitable methods can be used including the non-limiting examples of connecting hardware, brackets, clips, clamps and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 5 the first and second frameworks 50, 52 are illustrated in an assembled orientation. In the assembled orientation, end portions of the guide nubs 56, 66 contact each other, thereby forming a cavity 76 between the first and second frameworks 50, 52.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cavity 76 is configured to slidably receive the half collar 54. The half collar 54 includes a slot 78, a plurality of locating apertures 80, clamping indentations 82 and an arcuate inner edge 84. The slot 78 is configured to receive the nubs 56, 66, thereby guiding the half collar 54 as the half collar 54 is inserted between the first and second frameworks 50, 52.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the assembled orientation, the plurality of locating apertures 80 are configured to align with the plurality of locating apertures 58, 68 located in the first and second frameworks 50, 52. Also in the assembled orientation, the clamping indentations 82 are configured to align with select, spaced apart securing member apertures 46 and the arcuate inner edge 84 is configured to extend beyond the arcuate inner edges 62, 72 of the first and second frameworks 50, 52.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the half collar 54 is illustrated in an inserted orientation into the cavity 76 formed between the first and second frameworks 50, 52. In the inserted position, a plurality of assembly pins 88 are inserted through the locating apertures 58 in the first and second frameworks 50, 52 and through the locating apertures 80 in the half collar 54. The assembly pins 88 are configured to retain the half collar 54 within the cavity 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly pins 88 are formed of a pliable polymeric material. However, other suitable materials can be used sufficient for the functions described herein. The assembly pins 88 will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the securing member 35 is inserted into the spaced apart securing member apertures 46 formed in the first and second half collar assemblies 36, 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member 35 is formed from a single, continuous length of metallic material that is wrapped back and forth between the opposing first and second locking collar assemblies 32, 34. The process of wrapping the securing member 35 forms a plurality of loops 89 in the wrappings. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, any, or all of the loops 89 of the wrapped securing member 35 can be formed around portions of the vehicle, thereby securing the protection assembly 30 to the vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the orientation of adjacent securing member apertures 46 is sufficiently close to each other to prevent the one or more valuable components 20 from being removed between the wrapped portions of the securing member 35.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, a method of forming the protection assembly 30 will now be described. In a first forming operation 90, the first and second frameworks 50, 52 are attached to each other with the nubs 56, 66 facing each other and in contact with each other, thereby forming the cavity 76. In a next step 92, the half collar 54 is inserted into the cavity 76 such that the locating apertures 58, 68 of the first and second frameworks 50, 52 and the locating apertures 80 of the half collar 54 align with each other. In a next assembly step 94, the assembly pins 88 are inserted into the locating apertures 58, 58, 80, thereby fixing the half collar 54 in place.

Referring again to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 in a final assembly step 96, connecting hardware 40 is inserted through the first and second fittings 41a, 41b and engage the retention members 42 in a manner such as to retain the connecting hardware 40 in the first and second fittings 41a, 41b.

In operation, the protection assembly 30 is installed on a vehicle 10 to prevent or discourage the theft of the one or more valuable components 20 that form part of the exhaust system 18. Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 7, a method of installing the protection assembly 30 will now be described. In a first installation step 100, the first half collar assembly 36 is positioned around a portion of the exhaust system 18 of the vehicle 10 and adjacent the one or more valuable components 20. In a next installation step 102, the second half collar assembly 38 is attached to first half collar assembly 36 using the connecting hardware 40, thereby forming the first locking collar assembly 32. With the first and second half collar assemblies 36, 38 connected to each other, the portion of the exhaust system 18 is positioned within the opening 44 formed therein. In a next installation step 104, the second locking collar assembly 34 is attached in a similar method to a portion of the exhaust system 18 positioned at an opposite end of the one or more valuable components 20 as the first locking collar assembly 32. In this manner, the valuable component 20 is bracketed by the first and second locking collar assemblies 32, 34.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4 and 7 in a next step 106, the securing member 35 is inserted into an initial securing member aperture 46 of the first or second locking collar assembly 32, 34. In a next step 108, a portion of the securing member 35 is repeatedly inserted into other of the securing members apertures 46, thereby forming a plurality of loops 89 located outside of the first and second locking collar assemblies 32, 34. It is contemplated that the one or more of the loops 89 can be positioned around a chassis or frame member on the vehicle 10.

When installed, the securing member 35, positioned in adjacent securing members apertures 46 are sufficiently close together to prevent the valuable component 20 from passing therebetween. Accordingly, the valuable component 20 cannot be removed from the vehicle 10 by cutting the exhaust pipe 18 as the valuable component 20 will not fit between the adjacent securing members 35. If a thief tries to remove the valuable component 20 by cutting the exhaust pipe 18 on each end and removing the protection assembly 30 along with the valuable component 20, the securing member 35 that is secured around the chassis or frame member of the vehicle 10 will again prevent the removal of the valuable component 20. In this manner a thief that is attempting to remove the valuable component 20 from the exhaust system 18 will be discouraged and look for easier targets for the removal of a valuable component 20. Without being held to the theory, it is believed connecting all of the securing member apertures 46 of the first and second locking collar assemblies 32, 34 and forming the plurality of loops 89 with a single securing member 35 advantageously provides a stronger protection assembly 30 as the plurality of loops 89 limit access to portions of the valuable component 20. However, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that more than one securing member 35 can be used.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4 and 7 in a next step 110, the connecting hardware 40 of the first and second locking collar assemblies 32, 34 are tightened. Tightening of the connecting hardware forces the half collars 54 in a direction as guided by the nubs 56 until the slots 78 bottom against the nubs 56. Continued tightening of the connecting hardware results in the arcuate inner edges 84 of the half collars 54 pressing against the exhaust system 18, thereby securing the first and second locking collar assemblies 32, 34 to the exhaust system 18. Further to the tightening of the connecting hardware 40 of step 110, as the half collars 54 move in the direction toward the nubs 56, the clamping indentations 82 of the half collars 54 contact and press against the portions of the securing member 35 inserted through the plurality of securing members apertures 46. Advantageously, the clamping indentations 82 secure the securing member 35 to the first and second locking collar assemblies 32, 34 and prevent the securing member 35 from being removed from the securing members apertures 46. As a further result of tightening of the connecting hardware 40, the assembly pins 88 inserted through the aligned locating apertures 58 in the first framework 50 and the locating apertures 80 in the half collar 54 are sheared off as the half collars 54 move in the direction toward the nubs 56. Advantageously, shearing of the assembly pins 88 provides for slidable movement of the half collars 54.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions, and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

1. An exhaust system protection assembly comprising: a first locking collar assembly positioned adjacent to an end of one or more valuable exhaust components, the first locking collar assembly having an opening configured to encircle a portion of a vehicle exhaust system;a second locking collar assembly positioned adjacent to an opposing end of the one or more valuable exhaust components, the second locking collar assembly having an opening configured to encircle another portion of a vehicle exhaust system; anda securing member configured to engage the first and second locking collars in a looping pattern in a manner such as to encase the one or more valuable components.

2. The exhaust system protection assembly of claim 1, wherein the first locking collar assembly has a first half collar assembly connected to a second half collar assembly.

3. The exhaust system protection assembly of claim 2, wherein the first locking collar assembly includes a plurality of nubs configured to guide a first half collar, the first half collar configured to engage a portion of the vehicle exhaust system.

4. The exhaust system protection assembly of claim 2, wherein the first half collar is retained in place by a plurality of assembly pins.

5. The exhaust system protection assembly of claim 1, wherein the second locking collar assembly has a first half collar assembly connected to a second half collar assembly.

6. The exhaust system protection assembly of claim 4, wherein the second locking collar assembly includes a plurality of nubs configured to guide a second half collar, the second half collar configured to engage a portion of the vehicle exhaust system.

7. The exhaust system protection assembly of claim 2, wherein the second half collar is retained in place by a plurality of assembly pins.

8. The exhaust system protection assembly of claim 1, wherein the first locking collar assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart securing member apertures.

9. The exhaust system protection assembly of claim 8, wherein the securing member extends through the plurality of spaced apart securing member apertures in the first locking collar assembly.

10. The exhaust system protection assembly of claim 1, wherein the second locking collar assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart securing member apertures.

11. A method of installing an exhaust system protection assembly, the method comprising the steps of: encircling a portion of a vehicle exhaust system with an opening of a first locking collar assembly positioned adjacent to an end of one or more valuable exhaust components;encircling another portion of a vehicle exhaust system with an opening of a second locking collar assembly positioned adjacent to an opposing end of one or more valuable exhaust components; andengaging the first and second locking collars with a securing member in a looping pattern in a manner such as to encase the one or more valuable components.

12. The method of claim 11, including the step of forming the first locking collar assembly with a first half collar assembly connected to a second half collar assembly.

13. The method of claim 12, including the step of guiding a first half collar within the first half collar assembly with a plurality of nubs, the first half collar configured to engage a portion of the vehicle exhaust system.

14. The method of claim 12, including the step of retaining the first half collar in place with a plurality of assembly pins.

15. The method of claim 11, including the step of forming the second locking collar assembly with a second half collar assembly connected to a second half collar assembly.

16. The method of claim 15, including the step of guiding a second half collar within the second half collar assembly with a plurality of nubs, the second half collar configured to engage a portion of the vehicle exhaust system.

17. The method of claim 12, including the step of retaining the second half collar in place with a plurality of assembly pins.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the first locking collar assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart securing member apertures.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second locking collar assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart securing member apertures.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the securing member extends through the plurality of spaced apart securing member apertures in the first and second locking collar assemblies.