Paperboard pallet

Abstract

A paperboard pallet is provided that includes first and second cardboard stringers positioned substantially parallel to each other. A space is formed between the first and second stringers. At least a first deck board is attached to and positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second stringers. Both the first and second stringers include a notch on their top sides. Each notch on the top side of the first and second stringer is sized to receive the first deck board, and is located so a first side of the first deck board in each notch in the top side of the first and second stringers is located substantially flush with the first end of the first and second stringers.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A paperboard pallet comprising:
 first and second stringers positioned substantially parallel to each other;   wherein each of the first and second stringers is made of a plurality of bonded sheets of cardboard;   wherein a space is formed between the first and second stringers;   wherein each of the first and second stringers has a top side, an underside, and a first end, wherein the underside is located opposite the top side;   at least a first deck board attached to the first and second stringers and positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second stringers;   wherein both the first and second stringers include a notch on their top sides;   wherein each notch on the top side of the first and second stringer is sized to receive the first deck board, and is located so a first side of the first deck board in each notch in the top side of the first and second stringers is located substantially flush with the first end of the first and second stringers;   wherein both the first and second stringers include a notch on their undersides;   a second deck board;   wherein each notch on the underside of the first and second stringers is sized to receive the second deck board, and is located so a first side of the second deck board in each notch of the underside of the first and second stringers is located substantially flush with the first end of the first and second stringers; and   a paper wrap is attached to the underside and sides of the first and second stringers and the second deck board, and spans the space formed between the first and second stringers.   
     
     
         2 . The paperboard pallet of  claim 1 , wherein the cardboard is corrugated cardboard. 
     
     
         3 . The paperboard pallet of  claim 1 , further comprising a third stringer located in the space formed between the first and second stringers, which creates a second space in addition to the first space, wherein the space and the second space are each sized to receive a forklift fork. 
     
     
         4 . The paperboard pallet of  claim 1 , wherein both the first and second stringers have a second end located opposite the first end. 
     
     
         5 . The paperboard pallet of  claim 1 , further comprising a second deck board, wherein the second deck board is positioned substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first deck board. 
     
     
         6 . The paperboard pallet of  claim 5 , further comprising a second notch on the top side of each of the first and second stringers, wherein each second notch on the top side of the first and second stringers is sized to receive the second deck board. 
     
     
         7 . The paperboard pallet of  claim 6 , wherein the second deck board is fitted in the second notch on the top side of each of the first and second stringers, wherein the deck board is substantially flush with the topside of the first and second stringers. 
     
     
         8 . The paperboard pallet of  claim 1 , wherein the paper wrap is selected from the group consisting of paper, kraft paper, and cardboard. 
     
     
         9 . The paperboard pallet of  claim 1 , wherein the paper wrap includes first and second forklift openings that coincide with forklift openings in the first and second stringers.