Tier sheet system and method

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.