Coating with anti-microbial agent for refrigerator shelving
AssigneeSSLO Holding Company, Inc.
InventorRichard L. Kranovich
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The embodiments disclose means to inhibit the growth and migration of bacteria, mildew and fungus by applying various coatings which contain an inorganic anti-microbial agent onto metal, glass, and plastic substrates. The substrates are used in the manufacture of components for the interior of refrigerators and freezers, which include wire (100) and glass shelving (200, 300), plastic crisper baskets (500) and other articles within the food storage area. The coatings include the inorganic anti-microbial agent combinet with a matrix resin which are applied by electrostatic powder coating (916), roller coating (810), or robotic spraying (710), and then cured.
Claims8
A method of imparting a coating, containing an antimicrobial agent onto glass substrate interior refrigerator articles, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. adding the anti-microbial agent to a coating formulation containing an epoxy-acrylate resin, an adhesion promoter, and a free-radical photo-initiator;
- b. cleaning and drying the glass substrates;
- c. depositing the coating formulation to a thickness of approximately 20 microns by the use of a roller-coater;
- and
- d. curing the deposited coating utilizing a UV processor.
A method of imparting a coating, containing an anti-microbial agent onto plastic substrates consisting of styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polypropylene (PP) for baskets, crisper drawers, and other interior plastic articles as a part of refrigerator shelving or storage items, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. adding the anti-microbial agent to a coating formulation containing an epoxy-acrylate resin, an adhesion promoter, and a free-radical photo-initiator;
- b. cleaning and drying the plastic substrates;
- c. depositing the coating formulation to a thickness of approximately 20 microns by the use of a programmable robotic spray;
- and
- d. curing the deposited coating using a UV processor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.