Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pallet spacer from a one-piece blank, the one piece blank having at least a first end and a second end, a retention segment disposed between the first and second ends, the retention segment defining a retention aperture, the second end including a cut-out flange having a hinge, the apparatus comprising a base, a rotating mandrel assembly mounted on the base for wrapping the one-piece blank around itself such that the retention aperture is registered directly adjacent the cut-out flange, the rotating mandrel assembly including a selective engagement means for gripping the first end of the one-piece blank when the one-piece blank is wrapped around itself, a punch for pushing the cut-out flange into the retention aperture thereby retaining the one-piece blank in a coiled shape forming a pallet spacer and a stripper for removing the pallet spacer from the rotating mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A single substantially rectangular blank of fiberboard-type sheet material folded along longitudinal and central transverse triangular creases or score lines to form an open top and closed bottom substantially polygonal, such as octagonal, prism-shaped container. The straight fold lines between the bottom triangular and side rectangular panels alternately angle of about 10.degree. with respect to each other successively around the bottom or base of the container, and the two opposite triangular double-thickness flaps extending from adjacent pairs of opposite side panels fold under the bottom so that their apeces substantially touch each other and said triangular flaps are attached to the bottom either by a staple means or an adhesive or both. The angular fold edges around the periphery of the base insure ample space under the container for these triangular flaps so the container when sitting on its base will rest primarily on alternate peripheral corners of the base, insuring its stable vertical condition.