Abstract: A molded article includes a rotationally-molded body of polymer material, and a reinforcing member substantially encased within and in direct contact with the polymer material. Both the polymer material and the reinforcing member have their own unique post-molding shrinkage characteristics. A slip zone, defining a void in the body of polymer material, is formed around the end of the reinforcing member, such that post-molding shrinkage of the polymer material imposes substantially no stress on the end of the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member has a surface coating that substantially eliminates adhesion with the polymer material, so as to enable displacement of the reinforcing member with respect to contacting polymer material, and thereby reduce post-molding deformation of the molded article.

Abstract: A molded article includes a rotationally-molded body of polymer material, formed in a mold, with an elongate reinforcing member, having an end, substantially encased within the body of polymer material during molding thereof. A slip zone, defining a void in the body of polymer material, is formed around the end of the reinforcing member, such that post-molding shrinkage of the polymer material imposes substantially no stress on the end of the reinforcing member.