Patent ID: 7810666

Claim:
A fuel tank of thermoplastic material comprising: a first shell portion of multi-layer extrudate and a second shell portion of multi-layer extrudate, said first shell portion comprising a first sidewall and a first peripherally extending flange, and said second shell portion comprising a second sidewall and a second peripherally extending flange; a multifunction panel comprising at least one lead-through means extending for lines which are to be passed out of the tank; and, wherein said first and second flanges are joined together to form at least one peripherally extending seam in the form of a welded or squeeze seam, said seam protruding from the first and second sidewalls, wherein said at least one lead-through means passes through said multifunction panel, and wherein said multifunction panel is embedded within a portion of said seam and is surrounded by said seam, and wherein said multifunction panel is disposed in a separation plane between said first and second shell portions, and wherein said at least one lead-through means extends at an angle relative to said separation plane and comprises an air intake or venting conduit or an electrical connector.