Insulated heat shield with waved edge

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides an improved insulated heat shield for engine components, such as exhaust manifolds of internal combustion engines.
In the described embodiment, a heat shield is formed as a unitary structure adapted for securement via bolted connections to an engine manifold.
In the described embodiment, the shield includes three layers; an outer metal layer to provide overall structural integrity, a center layer formed of an insulation material to isolate heat and to dampen noise, and an inner metal layer adjacent the shielded component for reflecting heat back to the shielded component.
Also in the described embodiment, the edges of the metal layers are defined by outwardly flared undulations or waves to minimize stiffness produced by plastic deformation that occurs in the edges of the layer during manufacture of the shield.
In addition, the waved edges are folded over to avoid cutting hands and/or fingers of installers or assemblers, or even under-the-hood wiring and hose structures.
The folded edges also provide reinforcement of the composite heat shield structures, and thus serve to optimize useful life.
Finally, a system of integrally incorporated beads in the metal layers is effective to provide selective stiffness in regions of the layer where needed.