Carrier having a living hinge

Abstract

The present invention provides for a weatherstrip assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a carrier having a base and a first and second leg extending from the base to a first and second distal end, respectively. The legs are spaced from each other to define a channel for receiving the motor vehicle. A seal is mounted to the first distal end. At least one securing flange is coupled to the second distal end for fastening the carrier to the motor vehicle. A living hinge is disposed between the securing flange and the second distal end, such that the securing flange is moveable independent of the carrier. The living hinge comprises a first section having a generally recessed configuration and a first thickness, and a second section having a generally planar configuration and a second thickness. The second section comprises a first region extending between the first section and a first terminal edge of the living hinge, and a second region extending between the first section and an opposing second terminal edge of the living hinge. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.