Plate and tube join and method

The joined plate and tube as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire annular neck is held within the substantially S-shaped folded portion of the tube.

The joined plate and tube as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the tube includes a narrowing region following the second reversing fold and outside the region of the annular neck, such that the tube tapers to a diameter which is substantially the same as the diameter on the opposite side of the join.

A muffler comprising:

• a muffler body having an end portion having an annular neck extending therefrom;
• and a gas flow tube extending through the annular neck, the gas flow tube comprising a first reversing fold around a peripheral end of the annular neck, and a second reversing fold extending from the first reversing fold, such that at least part of the annular neck is held within a substantially S-shaped folded portion of the gas flow tube.

A joined plate and tube substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings, excepting FIG. 1.

A muffler substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings, excepting FIG. 1.