Abstract: A method of manufacturing a blow-molded hinge assembly includes blow-molding a first member having a first body. The first body is made from two layers of plastic parison that are molded to form a generally solid plastic T-shaped tongue portion having barrel protrusions. A second member having a second body is also blow-molded. The second body has a recessed portion integrally formed therein. The recessed portion has opposed keyways receiving the barrel protrusions. The recessed portion has slots receiving the T-shaped tongue portion. The second member is formed by blow-molding the recessed portion around a T-shaped slide. The slide has a rounded portion that forms the keyways and a flat portion that forms the slots. After blow-molding the second member, the slide is removed from the recessed portion.

Abstract: A fuel tank assembly is provided. The fuel tank assembly includes a plastic fuel tank having a wall defining an outer surface and an interior volume for storing fuel therein. A portion of the fuel tank wall further defines a generally cylindrical opening therethrough. The fuel tank assembly also includes an instrument having a generally cylindrical piece extending through the opening in the fuel tank wall such that the instrument communicates with the interior volume of the fuel tank. A retainer assembly is attached to the outer surface of the fuel tank wall for releasably securing the instrument to the fuel tank. The retainer assembly includes a plastic ring-like member having a generally cylindrical inner wall disposed around the generally cylindrical piece of the instrument, the inner wall defining a circumferentially extending sealing surface. The retainer assembly also includes a reinforcing member carried within the ring-like member adjacent to and generally concentric with the sealing surface.

Abstract: A method of securing a member to the interior of a blow-molded article including the steps of extruding a pliable tubular parison having interior and exterior surfaces; positioning the member within the parison; and contacting the member with the interior parison surface. A movable blow-pin urges the member against the parison wall. The member has a recessed attaching surface that interlocks with the parison wall to form a secure attachment.

Abstract: A fuel closure assembly is especially useful in multi-layer fuel tanks. An opening in a fuel tank wall having an externally threaded nipple forms a planar sealing surface. An seal is centered about a radial surface of the nipple. A plate closes the opening and is retained in position by a threaded ring.