Abstract: An improved tier sheet and method for producing the same. The tier sheet is suitable for use in conveying receptacles such as cans and bottles with palletizing and depalletizing operations and it can allow the smooth sliding of receptacles in loading and unloading and can avoid the slipping off of receptacles during conveying operation. The tier sheet comprises a first zone having a first frictional resistance and a second zone having a second frictional resistance, wherein the second frictional resistance is lower than the first frictional resistance. The method of the invention comprises a feeding means to feed a tier sheet material, a forming means to form the first zone and the second zone, and a cutting means to cut the formed tier sheet.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus which comprises:means for supplying a band-like member,means for stretching the band-like member in at least lateral direction thereof, the lateral stretch means comprising a unit for running the band-like member to spread out the member so that it forms a sector (an unfolded fan) and a unit for detachably gripping the regions (or margins) of the band-like member respectively near the opposite widthwise ends thereof so that they are detachable from the running unit, andmeans for winding the stretched band-like member around an article for the wrapping thereof.As one embodiment of the present invention, a method for wrapping an article with said wrapping apparatus is disclosed.