BARTENDING WORKSTATION

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a bartending workstation (410), comprising a bearing structure (411), above which a work surface (412) is defined, at least one opening (413) being defined at the work surface (412) inside which opening there is at least one ice-holder tray (414); at least one bottle-holder tray (415) adjacent to the work surface (412) being defined, which is supported by the same bearing structure (411).
Said at least one bearing structure (411) is constituted by at least one single piece (420A, 420B) of a sheet or of a plate of a folded self-supporting flexible material.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bartending workstation.

[0002] The terminology "American Bartending" refers to an American technique for the preparation of cocktails that allows to mentally dose all the ingredients in a precise way directly into the glass.

[0003] This technique allows the barman to work much faster than traditional techniques providing for the ingredients to be dosed using measuring cups for precision calibration.

[0004] The term measuring cup means a graduated cup.

[0005] Traditional cocktail preparation techniques require the bartender to have a calibrated container available.

[0006] For example, the bartender opens a bottle, pours a liquid ingredient from the bottle to the measuring cup and then from the measuring cup into a container for final use by a buyer, usually a glass.

[0007] This traditional technique takes a long time to be executed because the bartender is forced to repeat the measurement step for each single liquid ingredient.

[0008] The "bartending" technique instead provides that, for example at the beginning of the evening, the bottles of liquid ingredients intended for continuous use are provided with a pouring cap, of a known type, which pouring cap allows the bartender to pour a liquid ingredient with constant flow rate from these bottles provided with pouring cap.

[0009] In this way the bartender, mentally taking into account the duration of the pouring operation, is able to pour the liquid ingredient directly into the container for final use, thus eliminating the operational pouring and measuring step using a measuring cup.

[0010] The elimination of the passage through the measuring cup allows the bartender to operate several pouring operations at the same time, for example by using four bottles at the same time, or two bottles in each hand.

[0011] To carry out this bartending technique, the aforementioned pouring caps and a specially configured station, the so-called 'workstation', are required.

[0012] This bartending workstation consists of a workbench designed in such a way that those who use it have all the necessary ingredients and tools at hand, so that they can operate as quickly as possible.

[0013] The bartending technique is very popular because the greater the speed of preparing a cocktail, the greater the profits for the owners of a club or for the organizers of an event in which this technique is applied.

[0014] In general, bartenders often work at events, for catering or for outdoor bars, in venues and situations where they must operate as quickly as possible and with optimal precision in order to fully satisfy customers.

[0015] However, having such events and gatherings a temporary nature, and being held in venues where a bartender cannot permanently leave his workstation and his equipment, and since at the same time the organizers of such events, or the owners of a space or club at which the bartender is called to operate, usually do not have the necessary items for the practice of the 'American bartending', the bartender is not able to operate optimally, causing lost profits or economic losses to the organizers of the event or to the owners of the club.

[0016] To date, to remedy these situations, the use of demountable workstations by organizers, club owners and bartenders themselves is increasingly widespread.

[0017] The rental of bartending workstations, to date, is therefore increasingly widespread.

[0018] This mode of use permits the concerned parties to equip themselves with one or more bartending workstations for a short time interval limited to the events.

[0019] The ideal solution for renting a bartending workstation is to flatten the package for transport as much as possible, lighten the weight thereof, prepare assembly and disassembly instructions for the user, and also prepare the necessary items in the transport package for re-packing.

[0020] The user installs the workstation, uses it, after use disassembles it and repacks it in the same container in which he received it. Generally, the renter's expenses comprise the actual rental costs, the outward and return shipping costs and a deposit for protecting from the total theft of the workstation, any damage or failure to clean, when the latter is therefore to be carried out by the manufacturer of the workstation upon its return.

[0021] The sum of the deposit and rental costs must therefore be equal to the purchase cost of a new workstation, making the deposit very high.

[0022] The process of renting a demountable workstation is therefore very complex and comprises outward shipping costs and return shipping costs, and the final cost of the process is in any case cheaper than the manual delivery of the rental goods, and for this reason the rental is however a very popular mode.

[0023] Although there is appreciation, this rental method has some drawbacks.

[0024] The first important drawback is linked to the high amount of deposit required by the renter, which is often not appreciated up to the point of leading the potential interested person turn down the rent.

[0025] A second drawback is related to the inconvenience for assembly, disassembly, cleaning, re-packing and waiting for the removal of the demountable workstation.

[0026] Many bartenders, caterers and event organizers ask to rent workstations for short periods, such as one day or two, and this process may not be beneficial for such short periods.

[0027] The task of the present invention is to develop a bartending workstation capable of obviating the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of the known art.

[0028] In particular, an object of the invention is to develop a method for realising a bartending workstation.

[0029] Another object of the invention is to develop a bartending workstation, as well as a method for realising such a workstation, which does not provide for additional deposit costs.

[0030] A further object of the invention is to develop an easy-to-assemble bartending workstation.

[0031] Again, an object of the invention is to provide a bartending workstation which does not require disassembly and cleaning operations.

[0032] The above mentioned task and objects are achieved by a bartending workstation according to claim 1, as well as by a method for realising a bartending workstation.

[0033] Further characteristics of the bartending workstation according to claim 1 are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0034] The aforesaid task and objects, together with the advantages that will be mentioned hereinafter, are indicated by the description of five embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, where:

• Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a bartending workstation according to the invention, in a first embodiment;
• Figure 2 represents a partial exploded view of the workstation of figure 1;
• Figure 3 represents the plane development of the workstation of figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 4 represents a perspective view of a bartending workstation according to the invention, in a second embodiment;
• Figure 5 represents a partial exploded view of the workstation of figure 4;
• Figure 6 represents the plane development of the workstation of figures 4 and 5;
• Figure 7 represents a perspective view of a bartending workstation according to the invention, in a third embodiment;
• Figure 8 represents a further perspective view of the workstation of figure 7;
• Figure 9 represents the plane development of the workstation of figures 7 and 8;
• Figure 10 represents an exploded view of the workstation of figures 7, 8 and 9;
• Figures 11 and 12 each represent a perspective view of a bartending workstation according to the invention, in a fourth embodiment;
• Figure 13 represents an exploded perspective view of the workstation of figures 11 and 12;
• Figure 14 represents the plane development of a first portion of the workstation of figures 11, 12 and 13;
• Figure 15 represents the plane development of a second portion of the workstation of figures 11, 12 and 13;
• Figures 16 and 17 each represent a perspective view of a bartending workstation according to the invention, in a fifth embodiment;
• Figures 18, 19, 20 and 21 each represent the plane development of a portion of the workstation of figures 16 and 17;
• Figures 22 to 35 each represent an assembly step of the workstation of figures 16 and 17;
• Figure 36 represents a perspective view of a modular combination of workstations according to the invention;
• Figure 37 represents an exploded perspective view of the modular combination of figure 36;
• Figure 38 represents the plane development of a detail of the modular combination of figures 36 and 37;
• Figure 39 represents a detail realised with the development in plan of figure 38;
• Figure 40 represents a perspective view of another modular combination of workstations according to the invention;
• Figure 41 represents an exploded perspective view of the modular combination of figure 40;
• Figure 42 represents the plane development of a detail of the modular combination of figures 40 and 41.

[0035] With reference to the cited figures, a bartending workstation according to the invention is indicated, in its first embodiment as a whole, with the number 10.

[0036] Said workstation 10 comprises a bearing structure 11, above which a work surface 12 is defined.

[0037] An opening 13 is defined on the work surface 12, inside which an ice-holder tray 14 is positioned.

[0038] A bottle-holder tray 15 adjacent to the work surface 12 is defined.

[0039] The bottle-holder tray 15 is supported by the same bearing structure 11.

[0040] The peculiarity of the invention lies in the fact that the bearing structure 11, the work surface 12 with the opening 13 and the bottle-holder tray 15 consist of a single piece 20 of a sheet or plate of a folded self-supporting material.

[0041] In particular, in this first embodiment of the invention, the single piece 20, whose plane development is well represented in figure 3, comprises:

• a first central part 21 configured to define the work surface 12 with the opening 13;
• two symmetrical side portions 22 and 23 configured to define two corresponding side walls 11a and 11b of the bearing structure 11;
• a front portion 24 and a symmetrical rear portion 25, defining a corresponding front wall 11c and a corresponding rear wall 11d of the bearing structure 11;
• a second central part 26 configured to define the bottle-holder tray 15.

[0042] In the present non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the first central part 21 is quadrangular.

[0043] The side portions 22 and 23 are quadrangular.

[0044] The front 24 and rear 25 portions are quadrangular.

[0045] The terms 'fold line' hereinafter mean a line with incisions, or notches, or depressions, or areas of reduced thickness, or with holes or through openings or with other similar elements that allow the folding of the single piece 20 along that line.

[0046] A first fold line L1 is defined between the first central part 21 and a first side portion 22.

[0047] A second fold line L2 is defined between the first central part 21 and the second side portion 23.

[0048] The first L1 and second L2 fold lines are parallel.

[0049] A third fold line L3 is defined between the first central part 21 and the rear portion 25.

[0050] The third fold line L3 is orthogonal to the first L1 and second L2 lines.

[0051] The third fold line L3 has its ends in proximity to or coinciding with the respective ends of the first L1 and second L2 fold lines.

[0052] A fourth fold line L4 is defined between the first central part 21 and the second central part 26.

[0053] The fourth fold line L4 is orthogonal to the first L1 and second L2 lines.

[0054] The fourth fold line L4 has its ends in proximity to or coinciding with the respective ends of the first L1 and second L2 fold lines.

[0055] A seventh fold line L7 is defined between the second central part 26 and the front portion 24.

[0056] The second central part 26 has two inner fifth L5 and sixth L6 fold lines, configured for the definition of:

• a first containment wall 26a between the fourth fold line L4 and the fifth fold line L5;
• a bottom 26b, between the fifth fold line L5 and the sixth fold line L6;
• a second containment wall 26c, opposite the first containment wall 26a, between the sixth fold line L6 and the seventh fold line L7.

[0057] The sum of the length of one of the longitudinal sides, i.e. parallel to the main development direction X1, and the length in the same direction X1 of the bottom 26b, corresponds to the length in the direction X1 of the side portions 22 and 23.

[0058] Between the side portions 22 and 23 and the second central part 26 corresponding separating cuts 27 and 28 are defined, configured to allow folding the second central part 26 with respect to the same side portions 22 and 23.

[0059] The ice-holder tray 14 is inserted in the opening 13.

[0060] Said opening 13 is shaped so as to surround the containment part of the ice-holder tray 14.

[0061] The ice-holder tray 14 has a perimeter edge 14a configured to rest on the edge of the opening 13.

[0062] On at least one of two contiguous walls of the walls 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d of the bearing structure 11, there are fixing portions F1, F2, F3, F4 configured for fixing with the other contiguous wall.

[0063] In the embodiment of figures 1 to 3, the single piece 20 comprises four fixing portions F1, F2, F3, F4 each developing on a transverse side, with respect to the direction X1, of a side portion 22 and 23.

[0064] Said fixing portions F1, F2, F3, F4 each consist of a quadrangular strip.

[0065] Said fixing portions F1, F2, F3, F4 are obviously to be intended as an integral part of the single piece 20, i.e. to be integrated in the single piece 20.

[0066] Said fixing portions F1, F2, F3, F4 are fixed to the contiguous wall, for example the fixing portion F1 of the first side wall 11a is fixed to the front wall 11c, with connection means known per se, for example glue, staples, interlocking systems and other similar and equivalent means.

[0067] The single piece 20 consists of a single sheet or of a single plate of folded self-supporting material.

[0068] Said single sheet or single plate of self-supporting material is, for example and preferably, of cardboard.

[0069] This single cardboard sheet preferably has a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 30 mm.

[0070] This single sheet of cardboard is made, for example, of simple cardboard, or multilayer cardboard, or of corrugated cardboard.

[0071] In particular, this single cardboard sheet is made, for example, of one selected from the following materials:

• cardboard or flat cardboard,
• single corrugated cardboard, i.e. consisting of two external sheets and one internal corrugated,
• double corrugated cardboard, i.e. consisting of three sheets, of which two external and one central and two corrugated sheets between them,
• triple corrugated cardboard.

[0072] This corrugated cardboard is intended to be the material used for example for packaging.

[0073] This corrugated cardboard consists of two surfaces of flat paper, called covers, and a corrugated paper, all held together by natural adhesives.

[0074] The combined action of the covers and the internal corrugated paper gives rigidity and resistance to the cardboard and consequently to the packaging.

[0075] There are therefore many types of corrugated cardboard that are well suited to the application according to the invention, which differ according to the type of paper with which they are made, to the weights, according to the height of the corrugations (single, double or triple) and to the corrugation coefficient.

[0076] The single piece 20 can therefore comprise at least a single sheet or a single plate of corrugated cardboard, of a type selected from the following:

• 'N flute' type 0.7 mm thick cardboard,
• 'E flute (micro flute)' type 1.5 mm thick cardboard,
• 'B flute (low flute)' type 3.0 mm thick cardboard,
• 'C flute' type 4.0 mm thick cardboard,
• 'EB flute (microtriple)' type 4.5 mm thick cardboard,
• 'BC (triple)' type 7.0 mm thick cardboard,
• 'CC flute' type 8.0 mm thick cardboard,
• 'CCH (three flutes)' type 13.5 mm thick cardboard.

[0077] The single sheet of corrugated cardboard is to be intended to be able to comprise an external coating layer, for example a paper covering.

[0078] In particular, this external coating layer can be a paper chosen from among Kraft Havana (K), Kraft white (Kb), Liner Havana (L), Liner white (Lb), Test Havana (T), Test white (Tb), Suede (C), Suede white (Cb).

[0079] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the single sheet of cardboard, of which the single piece 20 is constituted, is coated with at least one layer of plastic material.

[0080] This layer of plastic material is advantageously of the waterproofing or at least semi-waterproofing type.

[0081] The single piece 20 consists of a single sheet or a single plate of self-supporting material, which self-supporting material can be different from cardboard.

[0082] For example, the single piece 20 can be made of a flexible or rigid plastic material.

[0083] Again, for example, the single piece 20 can be made of a wooden material or a wood derivative.

[0084] Again, for example, the single piece 20 can be made of a sheet of metal plate.

[0085] Again, for example, the single piece 20 can be made of a composite material.

[0086] Again, for example, the single piece 20 is to be intended that it can be made of any other type of material that can easily be folded by hand or with the help of hatches or other notches that allow folding or interlocking.

[0087] The invention also relates to a method for realising a bartending workstation.

[0088] A method for realising a bartending workstation 10 according to the invention therefore comprises the following steps:

a) shaping a sheet or a plate of a flexible self-supporting material so as to make a single piece 20 defining the plane development of:

• a bearing structure 11 comprising at least three walls, in the present example four walls 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, substantially arranged in a cross or 'T' shape,
• a work surface 12,
• an opening 13, and
• at least one bottle-holder tray 15;

b) making on said single piece 20, of sheet or plate of a flexible self-supporting material, fold lines L1, L2, L3, L7 configured to identify a first central part 21 and, in the longitudinal direction X1, a contiguous second central part 26, two side portions 22 and 23, a front portion 24 and a rear portion 25, said first central part 21 being shaped to define said work surface 12,
said side portions 22 and 23, said front portion 24 and said rear portion 25 being shaped to define respective walls 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d of said bearing structure 11;

c) making internal fold lines L4, L5, L6 configured to identify a second part 26, contiguous to the first central part 25 and positioned between said first central part 21 and said front portion 24, said second central part 26 being shaped to define said bottle-holder tray 15,

• a first containment wall 26a of said bottle-holder tray 15 being defined between the fourth fold line L4 and the fifth fold line L5,
• a bottom 26b of said bottle-holder tray 15 being defined between the fifth fold line L5 and the sixth fold line L6,
• a second containment wall 26c of said bottle-holder tray 15, opposite the first containment wall 26a, being defined between the sixth fold line L6 and the seventh fold line L7;

d) folding on the same side of the first central part 21 said side portions 22 and 23, said front portion 24 and said rear portion 25, according to the fold lines L1, L2, L3, L7 in order to define the walls 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, i.e. by arranging them each on a respective transverse reference plane with respect to the reference plane of the first central part 21;

e) folding said second central part 26 along the fold lines L4, L5, L6 and L7, so as to arrange the containment walls 26a and 26c facing each other, defining said bottle-holder tray 15.

[0089] A subsequent step envisages the stable mutual connection of the bearing walls 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d that are contiguous to each other, for example the side wall 11a with the front 11c and rear 11d walls.

[0090] Finally, a final step envisages the introduction into the opening 13 of one or more ice-holder trays, for example an ice-holder tray 14 configured to rest against its edge 14a on the edge of the opening 13.

[0091] Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the bartending workstation according to the invention, indicated there by the number 110.

[0092] Said workstation 110 comprises, similarly to what has been described above for the first embodiment of the invention, a bearing structure 111, above which a work surface 112 is defined.

[0093] An opening 113 is defined on the work surface 112, inside which an ice-holder tray 114 is positioned.

[0094] A bottle-holder tray 115 adjacent to the work surface 112 is defined.

[0095] The bottle-holder tray 115 is supported by the same bearing structure 111.

[0096] Also in this second embodiment of the workstation 110 according to the invention, the bearing structure 111, the work surface 112 with the opening 113, and the bottle-holder tray 115 consist of a single piece 120 of a sheet or plate of a folded self-supporting material.

[0097] In particular, in this second embodiment of the invention, the single piece 120, whose plane development is well represented in figure 6, comprises:

• a first central part 121 configured to define the work surface 112; in this second embodiment the opening 113 is not defined on the work surface 112;
• two side portions 122 and 123 configured to define two corresponding side walls 111a and 111b of the bearing structure 111;
• a front portion 124 and a symmetrical rear portion 125, defining a corresponding front wall 111c and a corresponding rear wall 111d of the bearing structure 111;
• a second central part 126 configured to define the ice-holder tray 114.

[0098] As to the single piece 120 the longitudinal direction X11 is taken as reference.

[0099] In this second embodiment of the invention, which is not limitating of the invention itself, the rear portion 125, defining the rear wall 111d, develops from a side portion 122, instead of from the first central part as in the first embodiment.

[0100] The first central part 121 is quadrangular.

[0101] The side portions 122 and 123 are quadrangular.

[0102] The front 124 and rear 125 portions are quadrangular.

[0103] A first fold line L11 is defined between the first central part 121 and a first side portion 122.

[0104] A second fold line L12 is defined between the first central part 121 and the second side portion 123.

[0105] The first L11 and second L12 fold lines are parallel.

[0106] The fold lines L11 and L12 are parallel to the longitudinal direction X11.

[0107] A third fold line L13 is defined between a first side portion 122 and the contiguous rear portion 125.

[0108] The third fold line L13 is orthogonal to the first L11 and second L12 lines and to the longitudinal direction X11.

[0109] A fourth fold line L14 is defined between the first central part 121 and the central part 126.

[0110] The fourth fold line L14 is orthogonal to the first L11 and second L12 lines.

[0111] The fourth fold line L14 has its ends in proximity to or coinciding with the respective ends of the first L11 and second L12 fold lines.

[0112] A seventh fold line L17 is defined between the second central part 126 and the front portion 124.

[0113] The second central part 126 has two internal fifth L15 and sixth L16 fold lines, configured for the definition of:

• a first containment wall 126a between the fourth fold line L14 and the fifth fold line L15,
• a bottom 126b, between the fifth fold line L15 and the sixth fold line L16,
• a second containment wall 126c, opposite the first containment wall 126a, between the sixth fold line L16 and the seventh fold line L17.

[0114] The sum of the length of one of the longitudinal sides, i.e. parallel to the main development direction X11, and length in the same direction X11 of the bottom 126b, corresponds to the length in the direction X11 of the side portions 122 and 123.

[0115] Between the side portions 122 and 123 and the second central part 126 corresponding separating cuts 127 and 128 are defined, configured to allow folding the second central part 126 with respect to the same side portions 122 and 123.

[0116] The ice-holder tray 114 is inserted in the opening 113.

[0117] Said opening 113 is shaped so as to surround the containment part of the ice-holder tray 114.

[0118] In this second embodiment of the invention, the opening 113 is defined between the contiguous edges 150, 151, 152 and 153, clearly identified in figure 6, belonging respectively to the first central part 121, to the first side portion 122, to the rear portion 125, and to the second side portion 123.

[0119] The ice-holder tray 114 has a perimeter edge 114a configured to rest on the edge of the opening 113.

[0120] On at least one of two contiguous walls of the walls 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d of the bearing structure 111, there are fixing portions F11, F12, F13 configured for fixing with the other contiguous wall.

[0121] Said fixing portions F11, F12, F13 each consist of a quadrangular strip.

[0122] Said fixing portions F11, F12, F13 are obviously to be intended as an integral part of the single piece 120, i.e. to be integrated in the single piece 120.

[0123] Said fixing portions F11, F12, F13 are fixed to the contiguous wall with connection means known per se, as described for the first embodiment.

[0124] The single piece 120 consists of a single sheet or of a single plate of folded self-supporting material.

[0125] Said single sheet or single plate of self-supporting material is, for example and preferably, of cardboard.

[0126] As to the materials and types of cardboard, the same materials and types of cardboard as in the first embodiment described above are intended to be usable.

[0127] A method for realising a bartending workstation 110 according to the invention therefore comprises the following steps:

a) shaping a sheet or a plate of a flexible self-supporting material so as to make a single piece 120 defining the plane development of:

• a bearing structure 111 comprising at least three walls, for example four walls 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d,
• a work surface 112,
• an opening 113, and
• a bottle-holder tray 115;

b) making on said single piece 120, of sheet or plate of a flexible self-supporting material, fold lines L11, L12, L13, L17 configured to identify a first central part 121, and, in the longitudinal direction X11, a contiguous second central part 126, two side portions 122 and 123, a front portion 124 and a rear portion 125, said first central part 121 being shaped to define said work surface 112;
said side portions 122 and 123, said front portion 124 and said rear portion 125 being shaped to define said bearing structure 111;

c) making internal fold lines L14, L15, L16 configured to identify a second part 126, contiguous to the first central part 125 and positioned between said first central part 121 and said front portion 124, said second central part 126 being shaped to define said bottle-holder tray 115;

• a first containment wall 126a of said bottle-holder tray 115 being defined between the fourth fold line L14 and the fifth fold line L15,
• a bottom 126b of said bottle-holder tray 115 being defined between the fifth fold line L15 and the sixth fold line L16,
• a second containment wall 126c of said bottle-holder tray 115, opposite the first containment wall 126a, being defined between the sixth fold line L16 and the seventh fold line L17;

d) folding on the same side as the first central part 121 said side portions 122 and 123, and said front portion 124, according to the fold lines L11, L12, L17 in order to define the walls 111a, 111b, 111c, i.e. by arranging them each on a respective transverse reference plane with respect to the reference plane of the first central part 121;

e) folding according to the fold line L13 said rear portion 125 in order to define the rear wall 111d and at the same time the opening 113;

f) folding said second central part 126 along the fold lines L14, L15, L16 and L17, so as to arrange the containment walls 126a and 126c facing each other, defining said bottle-holder tray 115.

[0128] A subsequent step envisages the stable mutual connection of the bearing walls 111a, 111b, 111c and 111d which are contiguous to each other, as already described above for the first embodiment.

[0129] The ice-holder tray 114 is inserted in the opening 113 and positioned resting on the edges 150, 151, 152 and 153.

[0130] Figures 7 to 10 show a bartending workstation according to the invention in a third embodiment thereof, indicated there by the number 210.

[0131] Said workstation 210 comprises, similarly to what has been described above for the first embodiment of the invention, a bearing structure 211, above which a work surface 212 is defined.

[0132] An opening 213 is defined on the work surface 212, inside which an ice-holder tray 214 is positioned.

[0133] A bottle holder tray 215 adjacent to the work surface 212 is defined.

[0134] The bottle-holder tray 215 is supported by the same bearing structure 211.

[0135] Said workstation 210 also comprises a raised plane 260 for serving cocktails prepared by the bartender.

[0136] Said raised plane 260 is placed at a height A2 from the ground which is greater than the height from ground A1 of the work surface 212.

[0137] Preferably the height from the ground A2 of the raised plane 260 is comprised between 105 cm and 120 cm, and preferably is 115 cm.

[0138] The height from the ground A1 of the work surface 212 is comprised between 75 cm and 90 cm, and preferably is 85 cm.

[0139] The raised plane 260 is supported by a rising portion 261 included in the bearing structure 211.

[0140] In this third embodiment of the workstation 210 according to the invention, the bearing structure 211 with the rising portion 261, the raised plane 260, the work surface 212 with the opening 213, and the bottle-holder tray 215 consist of a single piece 220 of a sheet or plate of a folded self-supporting material.

[0141] The rising portion 261, as visible in figure 9, comprises two opposite rising sectors 261a and 261b each belonging to a corresponding bearing side wall 211a and 211b.

[0142] In this third embodiment of a bartending workstation 210 according to the invention, the bearing structure 211 comprises:

• a rear wall 211d,
• two opposite side walls 211a and 211b.

[0143] Each of the side walls 211a and 211b comprises:

• a central sector 270a and 270b respectively, as a support for the work surface 212,
• a front sector 271a and 271b respectively, with height A3 lower, with reference to the ground, than the height A1 of the work surface 212,
• and a rear sector, corresponding to the rising sector 261a and 261b respectively, with height A2 greater than the height A1 of the work surface 212.

[0144] In particular, in this third embodiment of the invention, the single piece 220, whose plane development is well represented in figure 9, comprises:

• a first central part 221 configured to define the rear wall 211d;
• two side portions 222 and 223 configured to define the two corresponding side walls 211a and 211b of the bearing structure 211, as described above;
• a second central part 224 comprising in turn:
  • a first central portion 272 defining the raised plane 260,
  • a second central portion 273 for connecting with a subsequent third central portion 274,
  • a third central portion 274 defining the work surface 212,
  • a fourth central portion 275 defining a rear containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 215,
  • a fifth central portion 276 defining the bottom of said bottle-holder tray 215,
  • a sixth central portion 277 defining a front containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 215.

[0145] At least one of these fourth 275, fifth 276 and sixth 277 central portions has two opposite side appendages 278 and 279 configured to define corresponding side containment sideboards of the bottle-holder tray 215.

[0146] As to the single piece 220 the longitudinal direction X21 is taken as reference.

[0147] Each front sector 271a and 271b comprises a reinforcement projection 271a' and 271b', configured to contain and reinforce the bottle-holder tray 215.

[0148] In this embodiment, the bottle-holder tray 215 has an elongated shape, and is configured in such a way as to be able to contain a plurality of bottles placed side by side.

[0149] A similar bottle-holder tray 215 is known in industry jargon as 'fast pocket', or as 'speed rack', since it contains the bottles that a bartender uses most frequently.

[0150] A first fold line L21 and a second fold line L22, respectively, are defined between the first central part 221 and the two first 222 and second 223 side portions.

[0151] The first L21 and second L22 fold lines are parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal development direction X21.

[0152] The side portions 222 and 223 are folded in the rear-front direction so as to be convergent.

[0153] In this way greater support is ensured to the bottle-holder tray 215.

[0154] The first central portion 272 is defined between two fold lines L23 and L24 parallel to each other and orthogonal to the development direction X21.

[0155] The second central portion 273 is defined between two fold lines L24 and L25 parallel to each other and orthogonal to the development direction X21.

[0156] The third central portion 274 is defined between two fold lines L25 and L26 parallel to each other and orthogonal to the development direction X21.

[0157] The fourth central portion 275 is defined between two fold lines L26 and L27 parallel to each other and orthogonal to the development direction X21.

[0158] The fifth central portion 276 is defined between two fold lines L27 and L28 parallel to each other and orthogonal to the development direction X21.

[0159] The sixth central portion 277 is designed to be folded upwards, with respect to an arrangement of use of the workstation 210, along the fold line L28.

[0160] The ice-holder tray 214 is inserted in the opening 213, similarly to what has been described above for the previous embodiments.

[0161] This third embodiment of the workstation 210 according to the invention has the advantage of being achievable simply by folding the various parts and interlocking the bottom 276 and the front wall 277 of the bottle-holder tray 215 between the rear sideboard 275 and the reinforcement projections 271a' and 271b'.

[0162] The single piece 220 consists of a single sheet or of a single plate of folded self-supporting material.

[0163] Said single sheet or single plate of self-supporting material is, for example and preferably, of cardboard.

[0164] As to the materials and types of cardboard, the same materials and types of cardboard as in the first embodiment described above are intended to be usable.

[0165] A method for realising a bartending workstation 210 according to the invention therefore comprises the following steps:

a) shaping a sheet or a plate of a flexible self-supporting material so as to make a single piece 220 defining the plane development of:

• a first central part 221 configured to define the rear wall 211d;
• two side portions 222 and 223 configured to define the two corresponding side walls 211a and 211b of the bearing structure 211, as described above;
• a second central part 224 comprising in turn:
  • a first central portion 272 defining the raised plane 260,
  • a second central portion 273 for connecting with a subsequent third central portion 274,
  • a third central portion 274 defining the work surface 212,
  • a fourth central portion 275 defining a rear containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 215,
  • a fifth central portion 276 defining the bottom of said bottle-holder tray 215,
  • a sixth central portion 277 defining a front containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 215;

b) making on said single piece 220, of sheet or plate of a flexible self-supporting material, the following fold lines:

• fold lines L21, L22, configured to identify a central part 221, for folding said side portions 222 and 223 with respect to said central part 221;
• a fold line L23 for folding said first central portion 272 defining said raised plane 260;
• a fold line L24 for folding said second central connection portion 273;
• a fold line L25 for folding said third central portion 274 defining said work surface 212;
• a fold line L26 for folding said fourth central portion 275 defining the rear sideboard of the bottle-holder tray 215;
• a fold line L27 for folding said fifth central portion 276 defining the bottom of said bottle-holder tray 215;
• a fold line L28 for folding said sixth central portion 277 defining the front sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 215;
  the sixth central portion 277 also comprises two side appendages 278 and 279 configured to define corresponding side containment sideboards for the bottle-holder tray 215;
  there are corresponding fold lines L29 and L30 also for said side appendages 278 and 279;

c) folding, according to the fold lines L22 and L23, the side portions 222 and 223;

d) step-folding the central portions from the first to the sixth, defining the work surface 212 and the bottle-holder tray 215 resting on said front sectors 271a and 271b.

[0166] Finally, the ice-holder tray 214 is inserted in the opening 213.

[0167] A fourth embodiment of the bartending workstation according to the invention is represented in figures 11 to 15, and is indicated there by the number 310.

[0168] Said workstation 310 comprises, similarly to what has been described above for the third embodiment of the invention, a bearing structure 311, above which a work surface 312 is defined.

[0169] An opening 313 is defined on the work surface 312, inside which an ice-holder tray 314 is positioned.

[0170] A bottle holder tray 315 adjacent to the work surface 312 is defined.

[0171] The bottle-holder tray 315 is supported by the same bearing structure 311.

[0172] Said workstation 310 comprises a raised plane 360 for serving cocktails prepared by the bartender.

[0173] Said raised plane 360 is placed at a height A2 from the ground which is greater than the height from ground A1 of the work surface 312.

[0174] As to the heights A1 and A2 what has already been described for the third embodiment should be considered.

[0175] The raised plane 360 is supported by a rising portion 361 included in the bearing structure 311.

[0176] In this fourth embodiment of the workstation 310 according to the invention, as clearly visible in figure 13:

• the bearing structure 311 with the rising portion 361 and the raised plane 360 consist of a first single piece 320A of a sheet or plate of a folded self-supporting material, shown in figure 14;
• the work surface 312 with the opening 313 and the bottle-holder tray 315 consist of a second single piece 320B of a sheet or plate of a folded self-supporting material, shown in figure 15.

[0177] The rising portion 361 comprises two opposite rising sectors 361a and 361b each belonging to a corresponding bearing side wall 311a and 311b.

[0178] In this fourth embodiment of a bartending workstation 310 according to the invention, the bearing structure 311 comprises:

• a rear wall 311d,
• two opposite side walls 311a and 311b.

[0179] Each of the side walls 311a and 311b comprises:

• a central sector 370a and 370b respectively, as a support for the work surface 312,
• a front sector 371a and 371b respectively, with height A3 lower, with reference to the ground, than the height A1 of the work surface 312,
• and a rear sector, corresponding to the rising sector 361a and 361b respectively, with height A2 greater than the height A1 of the work surface 312.

[0180] In particular, in this fourth embodiment of the invention, the plane development of the first single piece 320A, well represented in figure 14, comprises:

• a first central part 321 configured to define the rear wall 311d;
• two side portions 322 and 323 configured to define the two corresponding side walls 311a and 311b of the bearing structure 311, as described above;
• an upper portion 372 configured to define the raised plane 360.

[0181] In particular, in this fourth embodiment of the invention, the second single piece 320B, whose plane development is well represented in figure 15, comprises:

• a first central portion 374 defining the work surface 312,
• a second central portion 375 defining a rear containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 315,
• a third central portion 376 defining the bottom of said bottle-holder tray 315,
• a fourth central portion 377 defining a front containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 315.

[0182] Each front sector 371a and 371b comprises a reinforcement projection 371a' and 371b', configured to contain and reinforce the bottle-holder tray 315.

[0183] In this embodiment, the bottle-holder tray 315 has an elongated shape, as described above and defined for the third embodiment of the invention.

[0184] In the first single piece 320A, between the first central part 321 and the two first 322 and second 323 side portions, a first fold line L31 and a second fold line L32, respectively, are defined; the first L31 and second L32 fold lines are parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal development direction X31.

[0185] The side portions 322 and 323 are folded in the rear-front direction so as to be convergent.

[0186] In this way greater support is ensured to the bottle-holder tray 315.

[0187] The upper portion 372 is defined by a fold line L33 orthogonal to the fold lines L31 and L32.

[0188] In the second single piece 320B, the second central portion 375, defining a rear containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 315, is defined between two fold lines L35 and L36 parallel to each other and orthogonal to the development direction X31.

[0189] The third central portion 376, defining the bottom of said bottle-holder tray 315, is defined between two fold lines L36 and L37 parallel to each other and orthogonal to the development direction X31.

[0190] The fourth central portion 377, defining a front containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 315, is designed to be folded upwards, with respect to an arrangement of use of the workstation 310, along the fold line L37.

[0191] The ice-holder tray 314 is inserted in the opening 313, similarly to what has been described above for the previous embodiments.

[0192] This third embodiment of the workstation 310 according to the invention has the advantage of being made in two single pieces 320A and 320B having smaller overall dimensions in the arrangement when not in use and equally simple to assemble.

[0193] Both single pieces 320A and 320B consist of a respective single sheet or a single plate of folded self-supporting material.

[0194] Each single sheet or single plate of self-supporting material is, for example and preferably, of cardboard.

[0195] As to the materials and types of cardboard, the same materials and types of cardboard as in the first embodiment described above are intended to be usable.

[0196] A method for realising a bartending workstation 310 according to the invention therefore comprises the following steps:

a) shaping a sheet or a plate of a flexible self-supporting material so as to make a first single piece 320A defining the plane development of:

• a first central part 321 configured to define the rear wall 311d,
• two side portions 322 and 323 configured to define the two corresponding side walls 311a and 311b of the bearing structure 311, as described above,
• an upper portion 372 configured to define the raised plane 360;

b) shaping a sheet or a plate of a flexible self-supporting material so as to make a second single piece 320B defining the plane development of:

• a first central portion 374 defining the work surface 312,
• a second central portion 375 defining a rear containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 315,
• a third central portion 376 defining the bottom of said bottle-holder tray 315,
• a fourth central portion 377 defining a front containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 315;

c) making on said first single piece 320A, of sheet or plate of a flexible self-supporting material, the following fold lines:

• fold lines L31, L32, configured to identify a central part 321, for folding said side portions 322 and 323 with respect to said central part 321,
• a fold line L33 for folding said upper portion 372 defining said raised plane 360;

d) making on said second single piece 320B, of sheet or plate of a flexible self-supporting material, the following fold lines:

• a fold line L35 for folding the second central portion 375 defining the rear containment sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 315 with respect to said work surface 312,
• a fold line L36 for folding the third central portion 376 defining the bottom of the bottle-holder tray 315,
• a fold line L37 for folding the fourth central portion 377 defining the front sideboard of said bottle-holder tray 315;

e) folding the first single piece 320A, as shown in figure 13, along the fold lines L31 and L32, defining the side portions 322 and 323, and according to the fold line L33, defining the upper portion 372, so as to define the bearing structure 311 with the raised plane 360;

f) folding the second single piece 320B so that the second 375, third 376 and fourth 377 central portions configure a 'U' defining the bottle-holder tray 315 with respect to the work surface 312;

g) coupling the first single piece 320A with the second single piece 320B so that the work surface 312 rests on the central sectors 370a and 370b, and so that the bottle-holder tray 315 rests on the front sectors 371a and 371b.

[0197] Finally, the ice-holder tray 314 is inserted in the opening 313.

[0198] A fifth embodiment of a bartending workstation according to the invention is illustrated in figures 16 to 35, and is indicated there by the number 410.

[0199] Said workstation 410 comprises, similarly to what has been described above for the third embodiment of the invention, a bearing structure 411, above which a work surface 412 is defined.

[0200] An opening 413 is defined on the work surface 412, inside which an ice-holder tray 414, or two ice-holder trays 414 and 414', is positioned.

[0201] A bottle holder tray 415 adjacent to the work surface 412 is defined.

[0202] The bottle-holder tray 415 is supported by the same bearing structure 411.

[0203] Said workstation 410 comprises a raised plane 460 for serving cocktails prepared by the bartender.

[0204] Said raised plane 460 is placed at a height A2 from the ground which is greater than the height from ground A1 of the work surface 412.

[0205] As to the heights A1 and A2 what has already been described for the third embodiment should be considered.

[0206] The raised plane 460 is supported by a rising portion 461 included in the bearing structure 411.

[0207] Said workstation 410 is characterized in that:

• the bearing structure 411 with the rising portion 461 and the raised plane 460 consist of two single pieces, first 420A and second 420B, each consisting of a sheet or a plate of a folded self-supporting material, such single pieces 420A and 420B being joined with one another;
• the work surface 412, with an opening 413, consists of a third single piece 420C of a sheet or of a plate of a folded self-supporting material;
• the bottle-holder tray 415 consists of a fourth single piece 420D of a sheet or of a plate of a folded self-supporting material.

[0208] The rising portion 461 comprises two opposite rising sectors 461a and 461b each belonging to a corresponding bearing side wall 411a and 411b.

[0209] In this fifth embodiment of a bartending workstation 410 according to the invention, the bearing structure 411 comprises:

• a rear wall 411d,
• two opposite side walls 411a and 411b arranged convergent in a rear-front direction, i.e. in the direction running from the rear wall 411d towards the front of the workstation 410, that is the one comprising the bottle-holder tray 415,
• two reinforcement walls 411e and 411f, each arranged transversely with respect to a corresponding side wall 411a and 411b.

[0210] Each of the side walls 411a and 411b comprises:

• a central sector 470a and 470b respectively, as a support for the work surface 412,
• a front sector 471a and 471b respectively, with height A3 lower, with reference to the ground, than the height A1 of the central sector 470a and 470b for the work surface 412,
• and a rear sector, corresponding to the rising sector 461a and 461b respectively, with height A2 greater than the height A1 of the central sector 470a and 470b for the work surface 412.

[0211] The central sector 470a and 470b also comprises a recess 480a and 480b respectively, configured to receive, for resting, the bottom of an ice-holder tray 414.

[0212] At least one of the front sectors 471a and 471b, for example the second front sector 471b, comprises a reinforcement projection 471b'.

[0213] The two reinforcement walls 411e and 411f, clearly visible in figures 25 and 26, have the same height A1 as the central sectors 470a and 470b of the side walls 411a and 411b.

[0214] Each of the two reinforcement walls 411e and 411f comprises a front sector, 471c and 471d respectively, having the same height A3 as the front sectors 471a and 471b.

[0215] Said front sectors 471c and 471d comprise a reinforcement projection 471c' and 471d'.

[0216] The functionality of these reinforcing projections is the same as described above in the previous embodiments of the invention.

[0217] The reinforcement walls 411e and 411f comprise each also a notch 480c and 480d configured to receive, for resting, the bottom of an ice-holder tray 414, or more ice-holder trays 414 and 414'.

[0218] In particular, in the present embodiment, the plane development of a first single piece 420A is represented in figure 18.

[0219] Said first single piece 420A comprises:

• a central part 421 configured to define the rear wall 411d;
• two side portions 422 and 423 configured to define the two corresponding side walls 411a and 411b of the bearing structure 411, as described above;
• an upper portion 472 configured to define the raised plane 460.

[0220] The upper portion 472, in particular, comprises:

• a first portion 472a configured to define the raised plane 460,
• a second, support, portion 472b,
• a third, reinforcement, portion 472c.

[0221] Between the second portion 472b and the third portion 472c, two opposite side notches 472b' and 472b" are defined and shaped for coupling with the respective rising portions 461a and 461b.

[0222] The side portions 422 and 423 have notches 422h and 423h configured for coupling with corresponding notches 481ah and 481bh defined on the central parts 481a and 481b of the second single piece 420B described below.

[0223] The second single piece 420B, clearly visible in figure 19, comprises:

• a central part 481 comprising in turn a first central part 481a, left, defining a first reinforcement wall 411e and a second central part 481b, right, defining the second reinforcement wall 411f; this central part 481 has the notches 480c and 480d as described above;
• two opposite external parts 482 and 483, each with height A2, and each comprising two tray support sectors 482a and 482b, and 483a and 483b, symmetrically shaped with respect to an intermediate folding strip 484 and 485 respectively.

[0224] Said second single piece 420B also comprises, on the central parts 481a and 481b, the notches 481ah and 481bh configured for coupling with the corresponding notches 422h and 423h of the first single piece 420A described above.

[0225] The third single piece 420C, clearly visible in figure 20, comprises:

• a central part 486, configured for the definition of the work surface 412;
• a rear part 488, configured to define a rear reinforcement wall 490.

[0226] In the present non-limiting embodiment of the invention, this third single piece 420C also comprises:

• an intermediate part 487, configured to define an object-holder recess 491 between the work surface 412 and the rear reinforcement wall 490.

[0227] Said an object-holder recess 491 is well illustrated in section in figure 32.

[0228] In the present non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the third single piece 420C also comprises:

• a front part 489 configured to define a front support wall 492 for the work surface 412.

[0229] The central part 486 also comprises two opposite side support flaps 486a and 486b, configured to engage with the underlying bearing structure 411 and support the work surface 412 laterally.

[0230] In particular, the side flaps 486a and 486b have a projection respectively 486a' and 486b' configured to fit in a corresponding interlocking slot 493a and 493b defined on the side portions 422 and 423 of the first single body 420A, visible in figure 18.

[0231] The fourth single piece 420D, clearly visible in figure 21, comprises:

• a central part 494 configured to define the bottom of the bottle-holder tray 415,
• an upper part 495 configured to define the front sideboard of the bottle-holder tray 415,
• a lower part 496 configured to define the rear sideboard of the bottle-holder tray 415.

[0232] Said fourth single piece 420D also includes side flaps 494a, 495a and 496a for the definition of the side sideboards of the bottle-holder tray 415.

[0233] In this fifth embodiment, the bottle-holder tray 415 is of the 'fast pocket' or 'speed rack' type as described above for the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0234] In the first single piece 420A, between the first central part 421 and the first 422 and second 423 side portions, a first fold line L41 and a second fold line L42, respectively, are defined; the first L41 and second L42 fold lines are parallel to each other and parallel to a reference direction X41 which is also the axis of symmetry for the first single piece 420A.

[0235] Fold lines L41a and L41b, parallel to the fold lines L41 and L42, are defined between the central sectors 470a and 470b of the side portions 422 and 423 and the respective front sectors 471a and 471b.

[0236] The upper portion 472 is defined by a fold line L43 orthogonal to the longitudinal reference direction X41.

[0237] Inside the upper portion 472, a fold line L44, parallel to the fold line L43 is defined, which fold line L44 is configured to define, with the fold line L43, the first portion 472a in turn defining the raised plane 460.

[0238] Inside the upper portion 472, a fold line L45, parallel to the fold line L44 is defined, which fold line L45 is configured to define, with the fold line L44, the second, support, portion 472b.

[0239] The side portions 422 and 423 are folded in the rear-front direction so as to be convergent.

[0240] In the second single piece 420B the following is defined:

• a central fold line L46 for mutual folding of the first 481a and second 481b central parts,
• two side fold lines L47 and L48 respectively between the first central part 481a and the external part 482, and between the second central part 481b and the corresponding external part 483,
• at least one side fold line, for example two lines L47a and L47b, between the tray support sectors 482a and 482b, and at least one side fold line, for example two lines L48a and L48b, between the tray support sectors 483a and 483b.

[0241] All said lines are parallel to the reference direction X41.

[0242] In the third single piece 420C, a fold line L49 for folding the rear part 488 is defined, defining the reinforcement wall 490, with respect to the central part 486, defining the work surface 412; said fold line L49 is orthogonal to the reference direction X41, which is also the axis of symmetry of the third single piece 420C.

[0243] In the third single piece 420C, there are preferably, but not exclusively, two fold lines L50 and L51, orthogonal to the reference direction X41, for the definition of the object-holder recess 491, as shown in figure 32.

[0244] In the third single piece 420C, if there is a front part 489, there is also a fold line L52, orthogonal to the reference direction X41, for folding the front support wall 492.

[0245] In the third single piece 420C, there are also two side fold lines L53 and L54, for folding the side flaps 486a and 486b.

[0246] The fourth single piece 420D comprises two fold lines L55 and L56 for folding the rear and front sideboards of the bottle-holder tray 415.

[0247] There are obviously side fold lines for folding the side sideboards of the bottle-holder tray 415.

[0248] This fourth embodiment of the bartending workstation 410 is particularly sturdy. In fact, the bearing structure 411 has the side walls 411a and 411b and the reinforcement walls 411e and 411f which are positioned in such a way as to define an 'XX' configuration, as visible in figure 27.

[0249] The central area of the intersections of the 'XX' configuration determines two very sturdy rest points capable of supporting the load of two ice-holder trays 414 and 414'.

[0250] Obviously, it should be understood that the ice-holder trays can also be one or more than two, according to the needs and requirements of the user.

[0251] Said bearing structure 411, thanks to the three front sectors 471b, 471c and 471d, ensures an optimal support for the bottle-holder tray 415 in its professional configuration of the 'fast pocket' or 'speed rack' type.

[0252] Said workstation 410, made up of four single pieces of relatively small dimensions, is easily foldable into a particularly compact transport arrangement with a thickness reduced to a few centimeters.

[0253] Each of the single pieces 420A, 420B, 420C and 420D consists of a respective single sheet or a single plate of cardboard.

[0254] As to the materials and types of cardboard, the same materials and types of cardboard as in the first embodiment described above are intended to be usable.

[0255] In an alternative embodiment, the first single piece 420A can be made up of a central part 421 to which two separate side portions 422 and 423 are preassembled, for example by gluing.

[0256] Advantageously, the single pieces 420A and 420B which define the bearing structure 411 are made in such a way that the corrugated cardboard of which they are made up is positioned, in final use arrangement, i.e. with the bartender operating on the workstation 410, with the corrugations of the cardboard developing in a substantially vertical direction, so that the corrugated cardboard of the bearing structure 411 can support the maximum loads to which it is subjected.

[0257] A method for realising a bartending workstation 410 according to the invention therefore comprises the following steps:

a) shaping the first 420A, second 420B, third 420C and fourth 420D single pieces on respective sheets or plates of flexible self-supporting material as described above, making the respective fold lines as described above;

b) folding, as shown in figures 22 and 23, the two side portions 422 and 423 of the first single piece 420A with respect to the central part 421, in order to define a triangular shape, with the front sectors 471a and 471b facing each other, as shown in figure 23;

c) folding the front sector 471b, which comprises two symmetrical portions 471ba and 471bb as shown in figure 18, so that the front sector 471a is sandwiched between the two symmetrical portions 471ba and 471bb of the front sector 471b, as shown in figure 24;

d) reciprocally constraining the front sectors 471a and 471b with fixing means, better described below;

e) folding the two first 481a and second 481b central parts of the second single piece 420B into a 'V' shape, as shown in figure 25, to define the reinforcement walls 411e and 411f, and folding the tray support sectors 482a and 482b, and 483a and 483b, of the external parts 482 and 483 anteriorly, so to define the two front sectors 471c and 471d;

f) reciprocally constraining the front sectors 471a and 471b with fixing means, better described below;

g) joining the second single piece 420B to the first single piece 420A, as shown in figure 26, intersecting the side walls 411a and 411b respectively with the reinforcement walls 411e and 411f by coupling the notches 422h and 423h of the side walls 411a and 411b with the defined notches 481ah and 481bh of the reinforcement walls 411e and 411f;

h) step-folding the third single body 420C, as shown in figure 27, defining the recess 491;

i) inserting the third single body 420C from above on the structure composed of the first 420A and second 420B single pieces and folding the side flaps 486a and 486b, as shown in figure 28, so that the projections 486a' and 486b' fit in the corresponding interlocking slots 493a and 493b defined on the side portions 422 and 423 of the first single piece 420A;

l) folding the fourth single piece 420D, as shown in figures 29 and 30, to define the bottle-holder tray 415;

m) folding the upper portion 472 of the first single piece 420A, as shown in figure 31, in order to couple the rising sectors 461a and 461b with the respective side notches 472b' and 472b";

n) interlocking the bottle-holder tray 415 on the sectors 471b, 471c and 471d;

o) introducing one or more ice-holder trays 414 and 414' in the opening 413.

[0258] At this point, the workstation 410 is operational.

[0259] By way of non-limiting example of the invention, the fixing means for the front sectors 471b, 471c and 471d provide for the presence of male-female interlocking systems, comprising an insert 497 defined on a first zone of a front sector, for example the front sector 471b of figure 24, and a counter-shaped through hole 498 defined on a second facing zone of the same front sector 471b.

[0260] The fixing means can also be others, for example glue, or staples or other fixing systems of a known type.

[0261] The insert 497 is pre-engraved on the single piece 420A or 420B of which it is part.

[0262] The creation of the single pieces 420A, 420B, 420C, 420D is intended that it can be made with techniques, equipment and machines for die-cutting of a per se known type.

[0263] Figures 33 and 34 show an exploded perspective summary of the assembly of the workstation 410.

[0264] The object-holder recess 491 is configured in such a way as to be distant from the overlying raised plane 460 by a distance such as to define a space in which to arrange further bottles, for example bottles for pouring fruit juices or other liquid ingredients.

[0265] The object-holder recess 491 is shaped to contain, also or alternatively, little trays with other solid food ingredients.

[0266] Figures 36 and 37 show a modular workstation 510 comprising at least two bartending workstations, for example, but not exclusively, two equal bartending workstations 410 and 410a as described above.

[0267] A housing interspace for an accessory 600 or 700 is determined between two flanked work surfaces 412 and 412x, due to the trapezoidal shape of the work surface 412 and 412x, between two flanked workstations 410 and 410x.

[0268] A first accessory 600 consists of a shaped waste collection basket, the plane development of which is visible in figure 38.

[0269] This first accessory 600 can therefore be made with a single piece of folded self-supporting flexible material 620, like the single pieces described above.

[0270] The cross section of the first accessory 600 is such as to fit into the interspace between two flanked workstations 410 and 410x, and has enlarged upper edges 601 and 602 configured to overlap the edges of the work surfaces 412 and 412x respectively, so as to close any gaps between the work surface and the first accessory itself.

[0271] The first accessory 600 also has a rear appendage 603 shaped to obstruct the remaining space defined between the flanked rising portions 461 and 461x.

[0272] Figures 40 and 41 show a modular workstation 510 comprising at least two bartending workstations, for example, but not exclusively, two equal bartending workstations 410 and 410a as described above.

[0273] A second accessory 700 is housed between two flanked workstations 410 and 410x.

[0274] Said second accessory 700 consists of a flat element for closing the interspace between two flanked work surfaces 412 and 412x, of which the plane development is visible in figure 42.

[0275] This second accessory 700 can therefore be made with a single piece of folded self-supporting flexible material 720, like the single pieces described above.

[0276] Also this second accessory 700 has enlarged upper edges 701 and 702 configured to overlap the edges of the work surfaces 412 and 412x respectively, so as to close any gaps between the work surface and the first accessory itself.

[0277] The second accessory 700 also has a rear appendage 703 shaped to obstruct the remaining space defined between the flanked rising portions 461 and 461x.

[0278] It has in practice been established that the invention achieves the intended task and objects.

[0279] In particular, with the invention, a bartending workstation has been developed which does not require any return or cleaning and maintenance expenses, since, if it is made of cardboard, it can be completely disposed of.

[0280] To solve the above problems related to rental, a 'disposable' type bartending workstation has been developed.

[0281] The bartending workstation according to the invention allows a manufacturer to send to the customer a workstation which the user assembles autonomously and which after a few days the same user can correctly dispose of in the local spaces dedicated to paper sorting.

[0282] The bartending workstation according to the invention ensures a duration of use equal to the duration of a rental, but without return costs, without management costs and times and without deposit costs.

[0283] The workstation reaches the user in a box with the size of a wall painting, completely foldable and transportable, made of special, light and economical materials. This allows for practically zero transport costs for express couriers.

[0284] Thanks to the bartending workstation according to the invention, it is possible for restaurateurs or bartenders themselves to bring their own bartender workstation at the right moment, to the place of the event or simply outside a club such as a bar, by assembling it right in that moment in a short time, whereby this workstation according to the invention has all the structural peculiarities of the known bartending workstations, making the bartender's work more fluid and fast, increasing the revenue of the club and the event.

[0285] At the end of the event, these workstations according to the invention can be folded back into themselves, reaching a few centimeters of thickness and can be easily disposed of.

[0286] The ideal material for the production of these workstations is, as described above, cardboard.

[0287] Cardboard allows the use of recycled material, increases the sales margin as it is a very economical material, allows direct printing in the material and therefore customization with customer's logos, and since it can be cut on the plotter by a machine, it allows creating small batches without excessive costs and with extensive customization.

[0288] Finally, being a recyclable material, it is easy and ecological to dispose of.

[0289] The workstation according to the invention comprises standard trays of international size made of plastic or steel and which are reusable.

[0290] The workstation according to the invention has a smooth quadrangular external surface free from reliefs or bas-reliefs, available for customization of the workstation itself.

[0291] For example, the rear wall 211d, 311d and 411d of the workstation is flat and smooth, has no protrusions or recesses, and is therefore optimal for the affixing of graphic elements for customization, made by printing or using stickers, or with other techniques known per se.

[0292] If several workstations are placed side by side, this rear wall 211d, 311d, 411d is very useful to give the impression, to an external observer, of a single surface instead of several separate surfaces belonging to several separate workstations. Also this single surface of two or more workstations can be customized in such a way as to look like a single large graphic.

[0293] In summary, the workstation according to the invention consists of a set of cardboard panels, cut and carved so that they can be folded and interlocked between them producing very solid shapes and with sturdy supports right in the points where the bartender puts mostly the weight.

[0294] Cardboard crossings create vertical X and triangular shapes where the weight of heavier components, such as bottles or trays filled with ice, are supported in safety and stability.

[0295] The bearing structures described above make it possible to significantly lower the thickness of the cardboard and, through the latest cutting techniques, to cut the cardboard to size at very low cost and even for small batches.

[0296] The main elements of the workstation are, in addition to the various 'X' and 'triangle' crossings:

• the raised cocktail service surface, higher than the work and rest surface of the trays, which is used by the bartender to prepare the cocktail directly in front of the customer who, in the end, can grab it and take it away with all comfort;
• the work surface with at least one hole for ice or citrus fruit holder trays;
• a bottle-holder tray, in jargon 'speed rack' or "fast pocket", lower than the work surface, where all the alcoholic bottles mostly used by the bartender are contained; the position allows them to be grabbed without even lifting one's arms, with minimal effort;
• an object-holder recess, that is a fake plane that acts as a container for bottles, glasses and additional trays which is usually hidden under the service surface and used to hold glasses and non-alcoholic ingredients;
• a large single external vertical surface that allows the customer to adapt and customize aesthetics, as well as the placing of several workstations side by side, allowing it to look like a single counter.

[0297] The preferable sizes for the bartending workstation according to the invention are:

• width: 100 cm,
• height of service plane for serving cocktails: 115 cm,
• work surface: 85 cm.

[0298] In the fifth preferred embodiment, the workstation 410 comprises, as described above, four sheets of cut and folded micro-triple cardboard, two ice-holder trays for ice and citrus fruits, where the bottle-holder tray is a bottle-holder 'speed rack' for eleven bottles of spirits or soft drinks.

[0299] The workstation according to the invention can be produced with much less cardboard, with fewer pieces and using the same system or other interlocking and weight unloading systems, with respect to the prior art.

[0300] To avoid using too large cardboard sheets, it is also possible to divide the components into several smaller models which are then glued together during production.

[0301] This allows the use of standard cardboard formats, lowering the production cost and the minimum batch.

[0302] As described above for the modular workstations, it is possible to combine two or more workstations by placing them side by side in order to form a single counter.

[0303] The joints between one workstation and the other are made up of either deep waste bins, the first accessories 600, or of additional rest surfaces, the second accessories 700.

[0304] These supports, in addition to firmly joining the workstations, are required because if the user needs more than one workstation of this kind, it means that he will attend to a very large event in which to have the bartenders operate.

[0305] They will then be supposed to make many cocktails using plastic bottles and disposable glasses. This is why the presence of a large waste bin is essential.

[0306] A second option where the customer may want to join multiple workstations are trade shows.

[0307] In order to attend a trade show, companies, both belonging to the sector and not, have to set up an exhibition stand and one of the added values, to attract visitors or warmly welcome customers, is the bar.

[0308] In these situations there is a need for a bartending workstation having an easily movable and mountable structure, with a dominant aesthetic and a possible customization. The bar in the stand must occupy a significant space, to be noticeable and demonstrate the company's values. In this case, however, the cocktails to be produced may be fewer than those required in a real event, and therefore the aesthetic need increases. So, instead of connecting the workstations to each other with a waste bin, they can be connected with a cap of the same material, i.e. the second accessory 700, which joins the workstations and closes the space created between one and the other by extending the work surface available for resting the material.

[0309] With this solution, the addition behind the bar or next thereto of a folding flat table, of the same material (in this case in cardboard) can be of aesthetic and practical help.

[0310] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variants, all falling within the same inventive concept; furthermore, all details can be replaced by equivalent technical elements.

[0311] In practice, the components and materials used, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions and the contingent shapes, can be whatever, according to requirements and the prior art.

[0312] Where the characteristics and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs should be intended as having been added for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and consequently such reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A bartending workstation (410), comprising a bearing structure (411), above which a work surface (412) is defined, at least one opening (413) being defined at said work surface (412) inside which opening there is at least one ice-holder tray (414); at least one bottle-holder tray (415) adjacent to said work surface (412) being defined, said at least one bottle-holder tray (415) being supported by said same bearing structure (411),
and comprising a raised plane (460), said raised plane (460) being supported by a rising portion (461) included in, that is being part of, said bearing structure (411),
at least said bearing structure (411) being constituted by at least one single piece (420A, 420B) of a sheet or of a plate of a folded self-supporting flexible material,
characterized in that:

- said bearing structure (411) with said rising portion (461) and said raised plane (460) are made up of two single pieces, first (420A) and second (420B), each of a sheet or plate of a folded self-supporting material, joined one to another;

- said work surface (412), with said at least one opening (413), consists of a third single piece (420C) of a sheet or plate of a folded self-supporting material;

- said bottle-holder tray (415) consists of a fourth single piece (420D) of a sheet or plate of a folded self-supporting material.

2. The workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that said bearing structure (411) comprises:

- a rear wall (411d);

- two opposite side walls (411a, 411b) arranged converging in a rear-front direction, that is in the direction running from the rear wall (411d) towards the front of the workstation (410);

- two reinforcement walls (411e, 411f), each arranged transversely with respect to a corresponding side wall (411a, 411b).

3. The workstation according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the side walls (411a, 411b) comprises:

- a central sector (470a, 470b), as a support for the work surface (412);

- a front sector (471a, 471b), with height (A3) lower, with reference to the ground, than the height (A1) of the central sector (470a, 470b) for the work surface (412);

- and a rear sector, corresponding to the rising sector (461a, 461b), with height (A2) greater than the height (A1) of the central sector (470a, 470b) for the work surface (412).

4. The workstation according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said central sector (470a, 470b) comprises a recess (480a, 480b), configured to receive, for resting, the bottom of an ice-holder tray (414, 414').

5. The workstation according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said reinforcement walls (411e, 411f) have the same height (A1) as the central sectors (470a, 470b) of the side walls (411a, 411b), each of said two reinforcement walls (411e, 411f) comprising a front sector (471c, 471d) having the same height (A3) as the front sectors (471a, 471b), said reinforcement walls (411e, 411f) comprising each also a recess (480c, 480d) configured to receive, for resting, the bottom of an ice-holder tray (414, 414').

6. The workstation according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said third single piece (420C) also comprises an intermediate part (487), configured to define an object-holder recess (491) between said work surface (412) and a rear reinforcement wall (490).

7. The workstation according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bearing structure (411) has the side walls (411a, 411b) and the reinforcement walls (411e, 411f) which are positioned so as to define an 'XX' configuration.

8. The workstation according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one single piece (420A, 420B, 420C, 420D) of a sheet or of a plate of self-supporting flexible material is cardboard, preferably of a cardboard having a thickness comprised between 0.5 mm and 30 mm.

Drawing