MODULAR RAILCAR

Abstract

Various embodiments of a modular railcar be used to provide transportable, self-contained retail access to assorted products and services. The railcar technology utilizes a flatcar base and provides for modular, interchangeable railcar bodies. The railcar bodies utilize multiple moveable panels that may be positioned as walls or roofing when the railcar is in a transport configuration and, when the railcar is stopped in a desired market, moved into a deployed configuration to expand the square footage and usable volume of the railcar. When some or all of the moveable panels are in the deployed configuration, the railcar may become accessible to the public as a retail location. The modular railcar bodies may be interchanged as needed to serve different intended purposes.

Claims

1. A rail car comprising: a. a modular flat car having a top surface and bottom surface; b. a removable box-shaped enclosure comprising a floor, a roof, one or more first side sections rotatably mounted to the roof, and opposing end walls, the enclosure defining an interior space; c. wherein the one or more first side sections are rotatably connected to the roof by a plurality of hinges and are configured to be movable between an open position to provide access to the interior space and a closed position to enclose the interior space.

2. The rail car of claim 1, wherein the enclosure further comprises one or more second side sections pivotably connected to the floor and are configured to be movable between an open position to form a lateral floor space extended from the floor of the enclosure, and a substantially closed position.

3. The rail car of claim 1, wherein the one or more first side sections overlap a portion of a corresponding one of the one or more second side section when the one or more first side sections and the one or more second side sections are in the closed position.

4. The rail car of claim 1, wherein the one or more first side sections comprise gull-wing doors mounted to the roof and form a roof extension in the open position.

5. The rail car of claim 2, wherein the enclosure forms an extended continuous floor extending laterally when the one or more first side sections and the one or more opposing second side sections are in the open position.

6. The rail car of claim 2, the rail car further comprising stabilizers pivotably connected to a bottom of the modular flat car wherein the stabilizers are configured to be movable from a transport position to a deployed position to reduce unwanted movement of the rail car.

7. The rail car of claim 2, wherein at least one of the opposing end walls defines an exterior compartment configured for storage space separate from the interior space.

8. The rail car of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is refrigerated.

9. The rail car of claim 1, wherein the roof and exterior comprise solar panels.

10. The rail car of claim 1, wherein the rail car is self-propelled.

11. A method for converting a rail car into a stage, the rail car comprising a modular flat car and an enclosure having a floor, a roof, first side sections rotatably mounted to the roof, opposing second side sections rotatably mounted along a lower edge to the floor, and opposing end walls; the method comprising: a. Applying stabilizers to an under surface of the flat car to reduce unwanted movement; b. Pivotably opening one or more of the first side sections to a raised overhead position; c. Pivotably rotating at least one of the one or more opposing second side sections downward and outward to a substantially horizontal position planar with the floor of the enclosure.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising: d. Installing roofing supports to the raised one or more first side sections.

13. The method of claim 11, comprising: e. Installing flooring supports to the lowered one or more second side sections.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the opening of the one or more first side sections or the opening of the one or more second side sections is performed automatically.

15. A method for converting a rail car into a stage, the rail car comprising a modular flat car and an enclosure having a floor, a roof, one or more first side sections rotatably mounted to the roof, and opposing end walls; the method comprising: a. applying stabilizers to an under surface of the flat car to reduce unwanted movement; b. pivotably opening the one or more first side sections to a raised overhead position; c. sliding floor panels from a stored position within the enclosure floor to an extended position planar with the floor of the enclosure.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising: a. Installing roofing supports to the raised one or more first side sections.

17. The method of claim 15, comprising: b. Installing flooring supports to the lowered one or more second side sections.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the opening of the one or more first side sections or the sliding of the floor panels is performed mechanically.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the opening of the one or more first side sections or the sliding of the floor panels is performed automatically.

20. A method for converting a rail car into a stage, the rail car comprising a modular flat car and an enclosure having a floor, a roof, one or more first side sections pivoting upward, one or more second side sections pivoting downward, and opposing end walls; the method comprising: a. applying stabilizers to an under surface of the flat car to reduce unwanted movement; b. sliding roof panels from a stored position within the enclosure roof to an extended position planar with roof of the enclosure; c. sliding floor panels from a stored position within the enclosure floor to an extended position planar with the floor of the enclosure.

21. The method of claim 20, comprising: a. raising one or more of the first side sections and installing roofing supports to the raised side sections.

22. The method of claim 20, comprising: a. lowering one or more of the second side sections and installing flooring supports to the lowered one or more second side sections.

23. A rail car comprising: a. a modular flat car having a top surface and bottom surface; b. a removable box-shaped enclosure comprising a floor, a roof, a pair of opposed first side sections rotatably mounted to the roof, and opposing end walls, the enclosure defining an interior space; c. wherein the opposed first side sections are rotatably connected to the roof by a plurality of hinges and are configured to be movable between an open position to provide access to the interior space and a closed position to enclose the interior space; and d. a pair of opposed second side sections pivotably connected to the floor and configured to be movable between an open position to form a lateral floor space extended from the floor of the enclosure, and a substantially closed position.

24. The rail car of claim 23, wherein the one or more first side sections comprise gull-wing doors mounted to the roof and form a roof extension in the open position.

25. A rail car comprising: a. a modular flat car having a top surface and bottom surface; b. a removable box-shaped enclosure comprising a floor, a roof, one or more first side sections rotatably mounted to the floor, and opposing end walls, the enclosure defining an interior space; c. wherein the one or more first side sections are rotatably connected to the floor by hinges and are configured to be movable between an open position to provide access to the interior space and a closed position to enclose the interior space.

26. The rail car of claim 25, wherein the enclosure further comprises one or more second side sections pivotably connected to the roof and configured to be movable between an open position to form a lateral extended roof from the roof of the enclosure, and a substantially closed position.

27. The rail car of claim 26, wherein the one or more first side sections overlap a portion of a corresponding one of the one or more second side section when the one or more first side sections and the one or more second side sections are in the closed position.

28. The rail car of claim 26, wherein the enclosure forms an extended continuous floor extending laterally when the one or more first side sections are in the open position.

29. The rail car of claim 25, the rail car further comprising stabilizers pivotably connected to an underside surface of the modular flat car, wherein the stabilizers are configured to be movable from a transport position to a deployed position to reduce unwanted movement of the rail car.

30. The rail car of claim 26, the rail car further comprising stabilizers pivotably connected to a bottom of the modular flat car wherein the stabilizers are configured to be movable from a transport position to a deployed position to reduce unwanted movement of the rail car.

31. The rail car of claim 25, wherein the roof comprises solar panels.

32. The rail car of claim 25, wherein the rail car is self-propelled.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The following drawing figures, which form a part of the disclosure, are illustrative of described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any manner, which scope shall be based on the claims appended hereto.

[0021] FIG. 1A depicts an embodiment of a railcar that has a modular upper body portion that is removable from the underframe.

[0022] FIG. 1B depicts a connector that facilitates a removable upper body portion of a railcar.

[0023] FIG. 1C shows the body of the railcar in FIG. 1A removed from an underlying flatcar.

[0024] FIG. 1D shows a flow chart of a method for removing a railcar body from a flatcar and replacing it with another.

[0025] FIGS. 2A-2C show various views of a detachable railcar body disposed on an underframe with an end door on each end.

[0026] FIGS. 3A-3C show various views of a railcar body having a gull-wing style roof in a closed position with exemplary additions.

[0027] FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of a railcar having a flat roof with solar panels.

[0028] FIG. 4B shows the railcar of FIG. 4A having a tray on the side concealing floor support posts and additional solar panels on the end roof portions.

[0029] FIG. 4C shows the railcar of FIG. 4B having a taller side section in place of the tray for the floor supports.

[0030] FIGS. 5A-5C show various views depicting a railcar body having a flat roof made up of overlapping panels.

[0031] FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow charts of methods for deploying types of railcars.

[0032] FIGS. 7A-7F show various views and embodiments of a railcar having deployable stabilizers.

[0033] FIGS. 8A and 8B show various views of a railcar having foldable sides capable of folding down.

[0034] FIGS. 8C and 8D show various views of the railcar from FIG. 8A having floor supports added to the foldable sides.

[0035] FIG. 8E shows an isometric view of a railcar having foldable sides capable of folding up.

[0036] FIG. 8F shows a side view of the railcar from FIG. 8A having access doors built into the foldable sides, which can provide interior access when the sides are folded up.

[0037] FIGS. 9A-9D shows various views and embodiments of a railcar having a gull-wing style roof in an open position with exemplary additions.

[0038] FIG. 10A shows the railcar of FIGS. 4A-4C having foldable sides partially deployed.

[0039] FIGS. 10B and 10C show the railcar of FIG. 10A with the foldable sides fully folded down and exposing floor supports stored in the tray of FIG. 4B.

[0040] FIG. 10D shows the railcar of FIGS. 10A-10C having the floor supports installed.

[0041] FIGS. 11A and 11B show various views of the railcar of FIG. 8C having moveable roof panels unfolding from a transport position to a flatter position.

[0042] FIGS. 11C and 11D show the railcar of FIGS. 11A and 11B with its moveable roof panels partially and fully deployed, respectively.

[0043] FIGS. 11E and 11F show various views of a railcar having moveable roof panels capable of being fully or partially extended.

[0044] FIG. 11G shows rear and front views of the railcar of FIGS. 11E and 11F having end doors.

[0045] FIGS. 12A-12C show various views of embodiments of railcars having fixed and moveable roof panels in a raised position.

[0046] FIGS. 13A-13F show various views of embodiments of railcars having added roof supports.

[0047] FIGS. 14A-14C show end views of the railcar of FIGS. 13C and 13D having only one side folded down.

[0048] FIG. 15 shows a railcar having additional panels attached to the side of the railcar.

[0049] FIG. 16A shows a railcar having an auto retail design.

[0050] FIGS. 16B and 16C show a railcar having a sports team design.

[0051] FIG. 16D shows a rail station having a retail shopping mall design and capable of having multiple railcars pulled into either side of the station.

[0052] FIGS. 17A-17C show railcars having assorted fresh produce market designs.

[0053] FIGS. 18A-18E show various views of a railcar having an entertainment venue design.

[0054] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for moving a type of railcar via an electric motor system while the railcar is disconnected from a train.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] FIG. 1A shows a typical boxcar 100. In one embodiment, an upper enclosure body 102 of the boxcar 100 may be modular and removable from a flat car body/chassis 104. FIG. 1B shows a connector 106 that facilitates this modularity. FIG. 1C shows the upper enclosure body 102 removed from the underlying flat car chassis 104. The upper enclosure body 102 of the boxcar 100 can be built separately in different configurations and can be swapped out on the flat car 104 as desired. This modularity makes the boxcar 100 very versatile to be configured in many different ways so that it can be customized for specific markets and uses. FIG. 1D shows a flow chart of a method of removing an upper enclosure body 102 from a flatcar 104 and replacing it with another.

[0056] FIG. 2A shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a railcar 200. The detachable upper enclosure body 102 sits on the flat car 104 as an underframe and has a first and second end door, 108 and 110, respectively, on each end. FIG. 2B shows a side view of the railcar 200 and FIG. 2C shows the roof profile 204 of the rail car 200 in an end view. End doors, 108 and 110 may be provided to permit interior access when the rail car 200 is in a traveling configuration 202. See also FIG. 11G.

[0057] FIG. 3A shows an isometric view of a further embodiment of the railcar 200 and a different roof profile 304 shown in end view FIG. 3B. A gull-wing style roof 302 is shown with first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308, respectively folded down vertically on the longitudinal sides of the rail car 200. When stowed, the first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308 are configured to form the longitudinal sides of the railcar 200. FIG. 3C shows a side view of the rail car 200. The roof 302 as well as the extended roof panels 306 and 308 may have solar panels 310 to gather energy when the railcar 200 is being transported or when the roof 302 is deployed for use. This coverage of solar panels 310 may be applicable to other railcar configurations.

[0058] This embodiment also includes optional compartments 312 configured for storage space separate from the interior of the rail car 200 on either end of the railcar 200. Although this embodiment is shown on one style of railcar body, it is applicable to others. These compartments 312 may be used for energy storage, such as battery power to deploy or use for other purposes after deployment, or may be used for a HVAC unit, (heating, ventilating, air conditioning), or for other purposes as desired.

[0059] FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of a third embodiment, depicting a railcar 200 having a flat roof 402 with solar panels 310. FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of this style with a tray 404 on a longitudinal side wall 406 concealing floor support posts 408, as shown in FIG. 8C, and additional solar panels 310 on the latitudinal end roof portions 410. FIG. 4C shows another embodiment of the railcar 200 with a taller side section 412 in place of the tray for the floor supports. This can provide extended floor space when deployed.

[0060] FIGS. 5A-5C show a fourth embodiment of a railcar body 200 utilizing a different embodiment of a flat roof 502. As can be seen in FIG. 5C, the roof 502 consists of overlapping roof panels 504. In any of these embodiments, solar panels 310 may be installed on none, some, or all of the roof panels 504 for energy collecting during railcar transport on the rail or when fully deployed for on-site use. These may be incorporated into the roof panels 504 in a permanent attachment or temporary attachment that allows for easier removal.

[0061] When desired, the parked railcar 200 may be transformed from a transport configuration into a deployed configuration. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of one example of the sequence to deploy one type of railcar 200 for use, from arrival on site to ready for use. In this embodiment, the side panels are deployed before the roof is deployed. FIG. 6B shows another embodiment where the roof 301 deploys before the railcar side panels. There are other possible sequences and other steps that may be added, some may be altered, and some may be deleted depending upon the type of railcar body and intended use.

[0062] After arrival on site, the railcar 200 may deploy stabilizers 314 (or outriggers) to prevent unwanted railcar motion. Motions due to first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308 movements, changes in center of gravity, wind, and other environmental effects are reduced with use of the stabilizers 314. These stabilizers 314 may be manually or automatically deployed. The stabilizers 314 may be integrated into the flat car 104 chassis/underframe of the railcar 200 or they may be separate devices that are transported separately and installed. Such stabilizers 314 generally extend laterally from the chassis 104. In another embodiment, the stabilizers may be permanently installed in or near the railbed and deployed once the railcar is in place.

[0063] FIGS. 7A and 7B show isometric and end views of an embodiment with stabilizers 314 deployed. FIGS. 7C-7F show other embodiments in isometric and end views with stabilizers 314 deployed.

[0064] In one embodiment, longitudinal side panels 316 fold down to increase floor area and permit easy access to the interior. The longitudinal side panels 316 may fold down to a flat position 318 and may provide more than double available floor space. FIG. 8A shows an isometric view of a railcar 200 with the longitudinal side panels 316 folded down to the flat position 318, exposing one of the extended roof panels 306 and 308 visible in its stowed position that was behind the longitudinal side panel 316 when it was in its travelling position. In transport configuration, the longitudinal side panels 316 may overlap the extended roof panels 306 and 308. In this embodiment, the longitudinal side panels 316 fold down to near horizontal to provide additional floor area before the extended roof panels 306 and 308 deploy. When in transport mode, folding longitudinal side panels 316 may protect the solar panels 310 on the extended roof panels 306 and 308. FIG. 8B shows a side view of the railcar 200 with the longitudinal side panels 316 folded down.

[0065] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 8E the first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308 may fold up and the roof 402 may be fixed. The first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308 may fold upward to a near flat position. This configuration provides shade and other weather protection below the upraised first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308. If the first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308 include solar panels 310, such a configuration also greatly increases the energy gathering area when deployed.

[0066] Similar floor area increases may be achieved using separate floor panels 318 that are individually attached when needed. In another embodiment, multiple floor panels 318 may be stored in an overlapping configuration. Floor panels 318 are extended laterally outward from their stowed locations.

[0067] FIG. 8C shows an isometric view of the longitudinal side panels 316 with floor support posts 408 added to permit this portion of the floor to withstand other loads that may be placed upon it. The integrated tray 404 along a top edge 405 of the longitudinal side wall 406 may be used for on-board storage of the floor support posts 408 that are deployed after the longitudinal side panels 316 are folded down. Integral floor support posts 408 may be swung down. FIG. 8D shows an end view of the railcar 200 with the floor support posts 408 deployed.

[0068] In FIG. 8F, an embodiment of the railcar 200 has access doors 320 built into the longitudinal side panels 316. This design element is useful in railcar designs where the longitudinal side panels 316 fold down to provide access to the interior of the rail car 200. In some locations, there may be insufficient clearance for the longitudinal side panels 316 to fold down, such as when the railcar 200 is located in a rail station or has other adjacent obstacles. To access the interior, the access doors 320 may be used to load or unload the railcar 200, or for using the railcar 200 for its intended purpose. The access doors 320 may also be applicable to other embodiments, such as when the extended roof panels 306 and 308 fold outward.

[0069] In some embodiments, the extended roof panels 306 and 308 may be configured to deploy before the longitudinal side panels 316. FIG. 9A shows an isometric view of the railcar 200 where the extended roof panels 306 and 308 open up to expose the longitudinal side panels 316, which are folded in a transport position 322, and FIG. 9B shows an end view of the rail car 200. FIGS. 9C and 9D show the longitudinal side panels 316 folded down. Rotating from a transport position 322, the extended roof panels 306 and 308 rotate about hinges 324 located near the centerline of the railcar 200 until the extended roof panels 306 and 308 move from a near vertical transport position 322, to a near horizontal fixed position. Once in position, a folded portion of the longitudinal side panels 316 are exposed for deployment. After the extended roof panels 316 are deployed, the longitudinal side panels 316 may be rotated down. Then floor support posts 408 may be installed to support floor 305 and roof 301 of the rail car 200.

[0070] FIG. 10A shows the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C with one of the longitudinal side panels 316 partially deployed. One of the extended roof panels 306 and 308 with solar panels 310 can be seen behind the longitudinal side panels 316 that were protected during transport on the rail by the longitudinal side panel 316. FIGS. 10B and 10C show the longitudinal side panel 316 fully folded down and exposing the floor support posts 408 that are stored in the built-in tray 404 described in FIG. 4B. FIG. 10D shows the floor support posts 408 installed. In another embodiment, the floor support posts 408 may be detachable and separate from the railcar 200, transported elsewhere, and installed as needed.

[0071] In some embodiments, the extended roof panels 306 and 308 may be deployed from a folded or stored transport position to increase the roof area. This deployment may be performed to provide shade or weather protection for underlying extended floor space or to provide more area for energy collection from installed solar panels 310. The first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308 and the longitudinal side panels 316 may rotate about hinges 324 along their respective longitudinal edges. A deployed position may provide an area to support appurtenances depending upon the particular interior configuration. For example, lights, fans, speakers, and other components may be installed in or on these first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308 or the longitudinal side panels 316.

[0072] Solar panels 310 for electrical generation may be installed on both the first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308. When in the transport position 322, the longitudinal side panels 316 may protect the solar panels 310 on the first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308 from inadvertent damage and keep the solar panels 310 clean from dust and other debris from accumulating if the solar panels 310 were in the horizontal position and deployed.

[0073] FIG. 11A shows one embodiment of the first and second extended roof panels 306 and 308 unfolding from their transport position 322. Rotating about hinges 324 on the longitudinal edge, the extended roof panels 306 and 308 may rotate nearly 90 degrees to a near flat position. FIG. 11B shows an end view with the extended roof panels 306 and 308 fully deployed.

[0074] FIG. 11A also shows extended roof panels 306 and 308 may be equipped with gutters 326 to control rainwater or even to collect it for future use. Gutters 326 may be used on many roof or side embodiments.

[0075] FIG. 11C shows a different embodiment of a flat roof 402 with its moveable extended roof panels 306 and 308 partially deployed, and FIG. 11D shows the extended roof panels 306 and 308 fully deployed. It is appreciated that the roofs 301 may or may not have solar panels 310.

[0076] FIGS. 11E and 11F show another embodiment of roof style and deployment. The roof 301 may be flat or substantially flat with moveable roof panels 350 that may be overlapping panels that independently move outward toward the longitudinal side of the rial car 200. The moveable roof panels 350 are overlapped to keep the railcar 200 within acceptable width for transport by rail, but once on site can extend laterally outward, exposing more solar panels 310 for energy gathering and overhead protection for the floor area. One moveable roof panel 350 is shown fully deployed, while the other moveable roof panel 350 is partially deployed. It is appreciated that multiple moveable roof panels 350 may also be used. The moveable roof panels 350 may be extended outward to increase available roof area and coverage over the extended floor areas.

[0077] In a transport configuration, the railcar dimensions for each embodiment disclosed herein comply with AAR requirements to permit safe travel on rail. When parked, if desired and sufficient space above the railcar is available, the roof 301 may be moved to a taller configuration. FIGS. 12A and 12B show one embodiment of the roof 301 along with the deployed extended roof panels 306 and 308 in a raised position. When the roof panels 306 and 308 are raised, the interior volume and headspace is expanded. Alternatively, the roof 301 may be used in a lowered position if desired. Moving the roof 301 up and down may be accomplished by a variety of different systems, including manual and automatic deployment. FIG. 12C shows another embodiment with a raised roof.

[0078] After the roof 301 is in its deployed position, to support and stabilize the roof structure from wind effects, roof support posts 409 may be added between the roof 301 and floor 305. The roof support posts 409 may be deployed from integrated locations on the extended roof panels 306 and 308 or inserted as separate structures. As shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, roof support posts 409 may be added that work in conjunction with the floor support posts 408 for different embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 13E and 13F, other embodiments of roof support posts 409 may support directly on the ground or side.

[0079] Moreover, steps 330 and railings 335 may be added to provide safe access to and from the floor 305. Steps 330 may be located at any combinations of corners, including one, two, three, or four corners, or at any other convenient locations as desired. FIGS. 13A-13D, 13F show possible arrangements. Ramps 332 may also be utilized to provide wheelchair or other handicap access.

[0080] If desired, the present invention allows for only one extended roof panel 306 or 308 and one longitudinal side panel 316 to be deployed to account for conditions where one side of the railcar 200 may have limited clearance or both extended roof panel 306 and 308 and the longitudinal side panels 316 to be deployed if there are no limitations. One side may be closed due to inclement weather, such as wind or wind-blown rain, to permit continued use of the railcar. It may be desired to have only one side open to accommodate the special needs of the railcar design. FIG. 17A shows a fresh market example with only one side open for the public. The railcar backside may be accessible, for restocking goods into the railcar 200, or may be permanently closed. In some embodiments, either or both sides may be deployed.

[0081] Additional panels 375 may also be attached to the roof 301, longitudinal side wall 406 or end portions 411 of the railcar 200. The additional panels may be integrated on the railcar 200 and flip or rotate for use or may be separate panels added to the railcar 200. These panels 375 may be used for advertising. Additional stage equipment may be added, such as steps 330, railings 335, ramps 332, advertising, etc. Steps 330, advertising signs, etc. may be added or placed in or next to the railcar 200 to increase its functionality or improve ergonomic access to the railcar interior.

[0082] FIG. 16A shows a vehicle retail design 600. The interior of the railcar may include vehicles for show or sale as well as office space to conduct business. Although auto retail is shown, other types of products may be tractors, utility vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, or other merchandise.

[0083] FIGS. 16B and 16C show a food-service retail example 700. Depending upon the design and site requirements, one or both sides of the rail car 200 may be deployed, the roof 301 is unfolded and nay be raised. Moreover, steps and supports may be added.

[0084] FIG. 16D shows a retail rail station example 800 that provides convenient public access to multiple railcars 200 at once. Multiple railcars 200 may be pulled into either side of the station and accessed by the public. Adjacent railcars 200 may have different commodities available for sale or provide support to other railcars 200.

[0085] FIG. 17A shows a fresh market example 900 with only one side open for the access. The railcar backside may be accessed for restocking of goods into the railcar 200 or may be permanently closed. FIG. 17B shows an example fresh market interior with overhead lighting attached to the interior of the moveable roof panel 350.

[0086] FIG. 17C is another example of a fresh produce market 950. The roof 301 may have a flip-up panel 328 for advertising; the longitudinal side panel 316 may be folded up or down for access to the goods, or the interior may be extended outward to provide convenient access and to provide additional retail space. Although FIG. 17C shows the interior extending outward on both sides, other configurations may only extend outward on one side to accommodate specific site requirements.

[0087] Not all uses of this design may be for retail goods. The interior of the railcar 200 could be configured into office space or configured for specialized uses. For example, office space may be for private conversations, such as for a travelling lawyer, financial planner etc. providing advice, and others may be configured for medical or dental use with specialty equipment provided. Such railcars could provide pro bono services to underprivileged areas.

[0088] FIGS. 18A-18E show various views of a retail entertainment example providing entertainment, seating for guests, and a food and beverage bar. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to have two adjacent railcars 200 used together. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, one railcar 200 may provide food and beverages while the adjacent railcar 200 provides a kitchen to cook food orders or to provide restocking of beverages.

[0089] Another embodiment using two railcars 200 may use a railcar 200 that requires electrical power adjacent to another railcar 200 that accumulates, stores, and provides power. One or both railcars 200 or multiple railcars 200 may have solar panels 310 on their roof 301 and send that electricity to railcars 200 that store that power in batteries, capacitors, or by other means. In other embodiments, energy may be stored on each railcar 200, stored elsewhere, or both. Energy stores may be used to send power to adjacent railcars 200 or other places as desired.

[0090] It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0091] It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems within this specification may be implemented in many manners and as such is not to be limited by the foregoing exemplified examples and examples. In this regard, any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible.

[0092] While various examples have been described for purposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well within the scope contemplated by the present disclosure. Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure.