Exhaust connection member with braided cover

A coupler for an exhaust system, comprising:

• a flexible bellows including a generally cylindrical corrugated body that is formed from a metallic material,
• a braid cover extending over the bellows from a first end to a second end such that a gap is defined between the braid cover and the corrugated body of the bellows, and
• a retainer secured to the corrugated body and the braid cover,
• wherein the first end of the braid cover is received in a closed pocket defined in the retainer.

A coupler for an exhaust system, comprising:

• a bellows including a generally cylindrical corrugated body that is formed from a metallic material,
• a braid cover extending over the bellows, the braid cover including a body section having a first diameter, an end section including a neck having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, a shoulder extending radially between the body section and the neck, the shoulder forming a stiffened corner to provide the cover with rigidity, and
• a retainer secured to the corrugated body and the braid cover,
• wherein the neck of the braid cover is received in a closed pocket defined in the retainer.

A cover formed of braided metallic wire filaments for use in an exhaust system coupler, the cover comprising:

• a body section having a first diameter,
• a first end section including a first neck having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter,
• a first shoulder extending radially between the body section and the first neck,
• a second end section including a second neck, and
• a second shoulder extending radially between the body section and the second neck,
• wherein the first shoulder and the second shoulder form stiffened corners to provide the cover with rigidity and the cover is self-supporting between the shoulders.