What is this thing behind catalytic converter?

So I was changing my oil this morning and saw this hanging down the pipe that comes off of the back of catalytic converter. I pulled it off because it is broken and was just hanging loosely on the pipe and can slide around on it . Is it just a band to hold on the heat shield ? I put a hose clamp around the heat shield 1 or 2 years ago when the bolts that hold it tight one rusted through and it was vibrating/rattling when I idled and it drove me nuts. It started recently doing it again so I thought the hose clamp just needed tightened up and saw this thing.

 

Looks like the OEM clamp that holds the cat heat shield on. If you already put a hose clamp on one side, this is probably the sign you need a 2nd one on the other end.

 

I cheaped out and only put one hose clamp in the middle but I'm guessing 2 would work better and not let the ends wiggle/vibrate so much.

 

I found the same thing (rusted out clamp) hanging on to the pipe near the cat. I assume it secured the heat shield which is missing. For the quality reputation they have, Toyota sure uses some awfully crappy parts in their vehicles, especially clamps and brackets. It's strange because under the hood and under the truck, 50% are a mess (rust) and the other half look fine.

 

question is can the shield be independently relaxed. Is there an OEM replacement that can be bolted on.

to avoid issues at a smog shop with the tech going “this does not look factory” such as if you have a different generic aftermarket shiny new heat shield atop a stock cat that still functions.

 

I've had it in Toyota dealer in Texas twice and passed no problems. They don't do emissions here so maybe they aren't looking at that and it isn't like a dealership to not recommend fixing something if they can make a buck. The hose clamp and shield are still on good I double checked them before I took it for a short ride today the rattle is gone so I'm thinking the loose clip was what was doing it. You guys are always helpful on here.

 

The clamp seems to have only held a heat shield in place. Not sure how/what that would have anything to do with emissions or testing. The state I am in is strict. They connect their machine into the OBD connector, put a sensor in the tailpipe, fiddle around with cables under the hood, and it tells them everything. I think it compares what the O2 sensors and every other sensor is showing: up stream vs what is coming out at the end of the pipe to verify if there are any exhaust leaks down stream at the exit. The readout shows when the last time things were re-set and how many times, battery disconnect and hours since this, and if the exhaust air-injection pump is working... yada yada yada. I think even the last time the evap and charcoal canister integrity was verified and the last time you yelled at the dog for something.
These shields that are hugging the exhaust are all going to be missing soon: it's 10 years out since now since the truck was built.