초록 ▼

The embodiments of the subject invention pertain to a workstation for attachment to a trolling motor. The workstation comprises a cowl for covering the head of a trolling motor and a shaft collar for operable attachment of the cowl to a trolling motor shaft. The workstation can remain in place on a

The embodiments of the subject invention pertain to a workstation for attachment to a trolling motor. The workstation comprises a cowl for covering the head of a trolling motor and a shaft collar for operable attachment of the cowl to a trolling motor shaft. The workstation can remain in place on a trolling motor even when stored on the deck of a boat. Various accessories can also be attached to the cowl.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A workstation device for attachment to a trolling motor, the workstation device comprising: a platform having at least one outside edge,at least two sidewalls, each with a distal edge, the sidewalls being attached at or in proximity to the at least one outside edge of the platform, such that the

1. A workstation device for attachment to a trolling motor, the workstation device comprising: a platform having at least one outside edge,at least two sidewalls, each with a distal edge, the sidewalls being attached at or in proximity to the at least one outside edge of the platform, such that the distal edge of each sidewall extends away from the platform;at least two arms, each with a distal end, and each of the at least two arms being operably attached to one of the at least two sidewalls, respectively, so that the distal end of each arm extends distally from a sidewall; anda shaft collar comprising at least two shall collar sections, wherein each shaft collar section is attached to one of the at least two arms and located distal to the sidewall, wherein the shaft collar is adapted to operably attach to a shaft of the trolling motor. 2. A workstation device according to claim 1, wherein the platform, the at least two sidewalls, and the at least two arms are configured to form a cowl over at least part of the trolling motor, and at least one arm extends towards a proximal-to-distal center line of the cowl. 3. A workstation device according to claim 2, wherein the at least two shaft collar sections are connectable to form a bracket-like structure that operably attaches around the shaft of a trolling motor. 4. A workstation device, according to claim 2, further comprising one or more support structures, such that when the cowl is positioned over a trolling motor, the one or more support structures are between the cowl and the trolling motor. 5. A workstation device, according to claim 4, wherein a support structure is a pad, cushion, spring, or other shock absorbing device. 6. A workstation device, according to claim 4, wherein a support structure is one or more legs, braces, struts, or other rigid or semi-rigid structure. 7. A workstation device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the collar sections has at least a portion thereof adapted to conform to the shape of a trolling motor shaft. 8. A workstation device according to claim 7, wherein the shaft collar comprises a bifurcated channel for receiving a shaft. 9. A workstation device according to claim 7, wherein at least one shaft collar section comprises a shape conforming material. 10. A workstation device according to claim 7, wherein operable attachment of the shaft collar to the shaft is removable. 11. A workstation device according to claim 10, wherein the operable attachment comprises at least one band fastener, clasp, or threaded fastener for securing the shaft collar to the shaft. 12. A workstation device according to claim 10, wherein the at least two arms can be ten oraril separated for placement of the at least two collar sections around the shaft. 13. A workstation device according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the at least two sidewalls and at least two arms is jointed, such that at least one of the at least two arms is rotatable on at least one of the at least two sidewalls. 14. A workstation device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one jointed sidewall or arm allows the at least two collar sections to be separated for placement around the shaft. 15. A workstation device according to claim 12 further comprising one or more accessories operably attached to the workstation. 16. A workstation device according to claim 15 wherein one or more accessories are removably attached. 17. A workstation device according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the accessories is a line transfer assembly. 18. A workstation device according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the accessories is a utility box, drink holder, rod holder, tackle pouch, or attachment hook. 19. A workstation device according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the accessories is a tool shelf. 20. A workstation device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the at least two sidewalls and the at least two arms comprises one or more of a rigid and a semi-rigid material. 21. A workstation device according to claim 20, wherein the rigid and semi-rigid material allows the arms to be temporarily forcibly separated for placement around the shaft. 22. A method for utilizing a trolling motor as a workstation comprising: affixing to the trolling motor a device comprising, a platform having at least one outside edge,at least two sidewalls, each with a distal edge, the sidewalls being attached at or in proximity to the at least one outside edge of the platform, such that the distal edge of each sidewall extends away from the platform;at least two arms, each with a distal end, each of the at least two arms being operably attached to one of the at least two sidewalls, respectively, so that the distal end of each arm extends distally from a sidewall; anda shaft collar comprising at least two shaft collar sections, where each shaft collar section is attached to one of the at least two arms and located distal to the sidewall, wherein the shaft collar is adapted to operably attach to a shaft of a trolling motor,operating the trolling motor, andutilizing the device. 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the platform, the at least two sidewalls and the at least two arms are configured to form a cowl over at least part of the trolling motor, and at least one arm extends towards a proximal-to-distal center line of the cowl. 24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the at least two shaft collar sections, each attached to one of the two arms, are connectable to form a bracket-like structure that operably attaches around the shaft of a trolling motor. 25. A workstation device, according to claim 23, further comprising one or more support structures, wherein the method further comprises positioning the workstation device over the trolling motor, such that the support structures are between the cowl and the trolling motor. 26. A method according to claim 22, wherein at least the platform is substantially horizontal when the trolling motor is in use. 27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the device further comprises a line transfer assembly. 28. A method according to claim 26, wherein the device further comprises at least one accessory selected from a utility box, a tool shelf, a drink holder, a rod holder, a tackle pouch, and an attachment hook. 29. A method according to claim 28 wherein at least one accessory is removably attached to the device. 30. A method according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the shaft collar sections has at least a portion thereof adapted to conform to the shape of a trolling motor shaft. 31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the shaft collar comprises a bifurcated channel for receiving a shaft. 32. A method according to claim 30, wherein at least one shaft collar section comprises a shape conforming material. 33. A method according to claim 30, wherein operable attachment of the shaft collar to a shaft is removable. 34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the operable attachment comprises at least one of band fastener, clasp, or threaded fastener, for securing the shaft collar to the shall. 35. A method according to claim 33, wherein the at least two arms can be temporarily separated for placement of the at least two collar sections around the shaft. 36. A method according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the at least two sidewalls and the at least two arms is jointed, such that at least one of the at least two arms is rotatable on at least one of the at least two sidewalls. 37. A method according to claim 36, wherein the at least one jointed sidewall or arm allows the at least two collar sections to be separated for placement around the shaft. 38. A method according to claim 35, further comprising one or more accessories operably attached to the workstation. 39. A method according to claim 38, wherein the one or more accessories are removably attached. 40. A method according to claim 38, wherein at least one of the accessories is a line transfer assembly. 41. A method according to claim 38, wherein at least one of the accessories is a utility box, tool shelf, drink holder, rod holder, tackle pouch, or attachment hook. 42. A method according to claim 33, wherein at least one of the at least two sidewalls and the at least two arms comprises at least one of a rigid and a semi-rigid material. 43. A method according to claim 42, wherein the rigid and semi-rigid material allows the arms to be temporarily forcibly separated for placement around the shaft. 44. A workstation device according to claim 1, further comprising a line transfer assembly. 45. A workstation device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of an accessory selected from a utility box, a tool shelf, a drink holder, a rod holder, a tackle pouch, and an attachment hook. 46. A workstation device according to claim 45, wherein at least one accessory is removably attached to the workstation device. 47. A workstation device according to claim 1, wherein at least the platform is substantially horizontal when the trolling motor is in use.