Patent ID: 6105233
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: F25D,Y10T

Abstract:
The method of producing a shelf for a refrigerator or freezer comprising the steps of:a. forming components of a shelf frame by stamping the components from sheet metal such that a plurality of components include a section that when assembled will form a shelf section including a flat horizontal portion and undercuts, said shelf section being accessible from above;b. assembling the shelf frame components by welding;c. applying a zinc-chromate coating to the assembled shelf frame;d. painting the assembled shelf frame;e. forming an elongated flexible seal by an extrusion process;f. providing a tempered glass shelf that is dimensioned to be received on a shelf section of the shelf frame;g. cutting sections of the flexible seal to dimensions such that when the sections of the flexible seal are applied to the peripheral edge of the tempered glass shelf, the entire peripheral edge will be covered by the seal;h. applying the sections of flexible seal to the peripheral edge of the tempered glass shelf;i. attaching the free ends of the sections of flexible seal such that a continuous seal extends around the entire peripheral edge of the tempered glass shelf; andj. inserting the tempered glass shelf with the flexible seal applied to its peripheral edge by moving the glass shelf vertically into the shelf section of the shelf frame from above the shelf frame such that said flexible seal is compressed and then expands into said undercuts to lock said tempered glass shelf in place.