Flexible coupling device for use in an engine manifold system

A flexible coupling device for sealingly connecting first and second tubular bodies, the first tubular body including a first tubular portion having a central axis, a cylindrical end defining a first tubular portion end face, and a radially outwardly extending flange axially spaced from the first tubular portion end face, the second tubular body including a second tubular portion having a planar mounting surface substantially concentric with the central axis;

• the flexible coupling device comprising:
• a guide ring having a radially outwardly extending flange of a predetermined thickness and disposed in telescopic relation with the cylindrical end of the first tubular portion;
• a flexible bellows having a predetermined thickness, a first attachment end, and a second attachment end;
• first retaining ring means including a first retaining ring for releasably securing the first attachment end of the flexible bellows between the first retaining ring and the flange of the first tubular portion;
• and
• second retaining ring means including a second retaining ring for releasably securing the second attachment end of the flexible bellows and the guide ring to the planar mounting surface of the second tubular member, the second retaining ring includes a recess and the flange of the guide ring is disposed in the recess, the recess having an end wall and the second attachment end of the flexible bellows has a lip disposed between the end wall and the flange of the guide ring, with the depth of the recess in the second retaining ring being less than the combined thickness of the flexible bellows and the flange, and the guide ring being so constructed and arranged as to provide axial alignment and support of the cylindrical end of the first tubular portion.

A flexible coupling for sealingly connecting first and second tubular bodies, the first tubular body including a first tubular portion having a central axis, a cylindrical end defining a first tubular portion end face, and a radially outwardly extending flange axially spaced from the first tubular portion end face, the second tubular body including a second tubular portion having a planar mounting surface substantially concentric with the central axis;

• the flexible coupling device comprising:
• a guide ring having a radially outwardly extending flange and disposed in telescopic relation with the cylindrical end of the first tubular portion;
• a flexible bellows having a first attachment end and a second attachment end;
• first retaining ring means including a first retaining ring for releasably securing the first attachment end of the flexible bellows between the first retaining ring and the flange of the first tubular portion;
• second retaining ring means including a second retaining ring for releasably securing the second attachment end of the flexible bellows and the guide ring to the planar mounting surface of the second tubular member, the guide ring being so constructed and arranged as to provide axial alignment and support of the cylindrical end of the first tubular portion;
• and
• a pair of gaskets, one being disposed between the radial outwardly extending flange of the first tubular portion and the first retaining ring and the first attachment end and the other being disposed between the planar mounting surface of the second tubular portion and the second retaining ring and the flange of the guide ring.

An exhaust manifold system for an engine defining first and second cylinder heads, a first manifold section removably secured to the first head and including a first tubular portion, a cylindrical end having a central axis and defining a first tubular portion end face, and a radially outwardly extending first flange axially spaced from the first tubular portion end face, a second manifold section removably secured to the second head and including a second tubular portion defining a second tubular portion passage, the second tubular portion having a planar mounting surface at a first end substantially concentric with the central axis and a second tubular portion end face at an opposite second end, and a support element defining a support element passage substantially coaxial with the second tubular portion passage of the second tubular portion at the second tubular portion end face, and a planar mounting surface, the axial distance between the first tubular portion end face of the first manifold section and the planar mounting surface of the support element being greater than the axial distance between the planar mounting surface of the second manifold section and the opposite second tubular portion end face thereof, the exhaust manifold system comprising:

• a guide ring having a radially outwardly extending flange and disposed in telescopic relation with the cylindrical end of the first tubular portion;
• a flexible bellows having a first attachment end and a second attachment end;
• first retaining ring means including a first retaining ring for releasably securing the first attachment end of the flexible bellows between the first retaining ring and the first flange of the first tubular portion;
• second retaining ring means including a second retaining ring for releasably securing the second attachment end of the flexible bellows and the guide ring to the planar mounting surface of the second tubular portion with the guide ring being so constructed and arranged as to provide axial alignment and support of the cylindrical end of the first tubular portion;
• a pair of gaskets, one being disposed between the radial outwardly extending flange of the first tubular portion and the first retaining ring and the first attachment end and the other being disposed between the planar mounting surface of the second tubular portion and the second retaining ring and the flange of the guide ring;
• and
• means for sealingly connecting the opposite second end of the second manifold section to the support element.