TIER SHEET SYSTEM AND METHOD
A system for palletizing containers with tier sheets is disclosed. In embodiments, a system includes a pallet; at least two layers of containers, each layer including a plurality spouted containers; and a tier sheet provided between the at least two layers of containers. In embodiments, the tier sheet includes a top portion and a plurality of projections.
1 . A system for palletizing containers, comprising:
a pallet;
at least two layers, each layer including a plurality of containers having a spout; and
a tier sheet disposed between the layers of plastic containers;
wherein the tier sheet includes a top portion and a plurality of projections that extend downwardly from the top portion of the tier sheet; the projections of the plurality of projections are configured to straddle the spouts of the plurality of containers in a layer below the tier sheet; and a space or gap is provided between an uppermost portion of the spouts and the top portion of the tier sheet provided above the spouts.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the tier sheet is comprised of a polymer.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the top portion and the plurality of projections are integrally formed as a single or unitary component.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein, when the tier sheet is in position with palletized spouted containers, all portions of the tier sheet are a minimum distance of 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) from the spout.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the projections extend along the tier sheet in separated rows and/or columns.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein more than one layer of a plurality of containers is provided above the tier sheet.
7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein an additional tier sheet is provided between each of the more than one layer of the plurality of containers provided above the tier sheet.
8 . A tier sheet for dividing tiers of containers, comprising:
a top portion; and
a plurality of projections that extend downwardly from the top portion;
wherein the tier sheet is comprised of a polymer.
9 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein the polymer comprises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
10 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein the tier sheet is molded.
11 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein the top portion is substantially flat.
12 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein the top portion and the plurality of projections are integrally formed as a single or unitary component.
13 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein the top portion and the plurality of projections are two separate assembled or connected components.
14 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , the projections extend along the tier sheet in separated rows and/or columns.
15 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein the projections include substantially vertical sides.
16 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein one or more projections include at least one tapered side.
17 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein the at least one tapered side has a taper of 10 degrees or less.
18 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein a plurality of non-end projections each have two tapered sides.
19 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein an end projection and a non-end projection have different end widths.
20 . The tier sheet of claim 8 , wherein one or more projections include end portions having a radius.