Universal tailpipe holding bracket

A bracket for holding a tailpipe, comprising:

• a support means for attachment to a vehicle frame.
• a first clamp section being substantially semi-circular in shape, and having opposite first and second ends, and being pivotally secured to said support means,
• a detent means on said first end of said first clamp section, and a flange means on said second end thereof,
• a second clamp section being substantially semi-circular in shape and having opposite first and second ends, and being complementary in shape to said first clamp section so that said first and second clamp sections form a substantially circular opening when said first and second ends of said first clamp sections engage said first and second ends, respectively, of said second clamp section;
• a plurality of slot openings in said second clamp section in spaced relation along the longitudinal axis thereof adjacent said first end thereof, each of said openings being adapted to receive therein said detent means on said first clamp section, such that the diameter of said circular opening can be adjusted to hold different diameter tailpipes,
• a flange on said second end of said second clamp section adapted to be superimposed on said flange on said first clamp section,
• closure means on said flanges of said first and second clamp sections for drawing them towards each other when said tailpipe extends through said circular opening and said detent on said first clamp section is received in one of the openings in said second clamp sections to draw said first and second clamp sections into tight engagement with said tailpipe,
• said closure means being adjustable between a tightened position wherein said flanges are securely connected to one another and a loosened position wherein said flanges are loosely connected to one another and free to move relative to one another such that said detent can be selectively received within one of said slot openings, and
• said closure means extending through an opening in said flange on said second end of said first clamp section and through an elongated opening in said flange on said second end of said second clamp section, said elongated opening permitting pivotal movement of said second clamp section about a horizontal axis when said closure means is in said loosened position whereby said first end of said second clamp section is movable away from said first end of said first clamp section so as to define an enlarged mouth through which said tailpipe is passed for receipt into said circular opening without complete removal of said closure means from said flanges, said elongated opening further comprising an enlarged opening in the semi-circular portion of said second clamp section to provide clearance for a socket wrench used for tightening and loosening said closure means" has been inserted after "flanges".