SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR HOUSING A VEHICLE IN A CONTAINER

Abstract

A method is disclosed. The method includes loading a plurality of vehicle components in a housed configuration in a container, transporting the container containing the plurality of vehicle components in the housed configuration to a location, unloading the plurality of vehicle components from the container and assembling the plurality of vehicle components into an assembled configuration of a vehicle, disposing the container on the assembled configuration of the vehicle, and transporting the container from the location to a next location on the assembled configuration of the vehicle, and disassembling the plurality of vehicle components and loading the plurality of vehicle components in the housed configuration in the container at the next location.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: loading a plurality of vehicle components in a housed configuration in a container; transporting the container containing the plurality of vehicle components in the housed configuration to a location; unloading the plurality of vehicle components from the container and assembling the plurality of vehicle components into an assembled configuration of a vehicle; disposing the container on the assembled configuration of the vehicle, and transporting the container from the location to a next location on the assembled configuration of the vehicle; and disassembling the plurality of vehicle components and loading the plurality of vehicle components in the housed configuration in the container at the next location.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising selectively extending and retracting a drive assembly out of and into a retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating a drive assembly, which is selectively extendable from and retractable into a retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of vehicle components when the plurality of vehicle components is in the assembled configuration of the vehicle, 360 degrees relative to the retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising moving the assembled configuration of the vehicle using the drive assembly when extended from the retractable pod assembly disposed in the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating a rotatable component of at least one of the plurality of vehicle components between a retracted position when the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components is in the housed position and an extended position when the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components is in the assembled position.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the container is an intermodal High Cube shipping container having a height of 9 feet 6 inches or 8 feet 6 inches and a length of 20 feet, 40 feet, or 45 feet.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising unloading the plurality of vehicle components in the housed configuration from the container using a retractable support movably attached to the container.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a boat and the container is attached to a plurality of hull members of the plurality of vehicle components when the plurality of vehicle components is in the assembled configuration of the vehicle.

9. A system for use with an intermodal shipping container, comprising: a plurality of vehicle components configured to be housed and shipped in the intermodal shipping container in a housed configuration; wherein the plurality of vehicle components is also configured to be assembled into an assembled configuration of a vehicle; and wherein the plurality of vehicle components assembled in the assembled configuration of the vehicle is configured to receive and transport the intermodal shipping container.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of vehicle components, the retractable pod assembly including a drive assembly configured to selectively extend from and retract into the retractable pod assembly disposed in the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: the vehicle is a boat and the drive assembly includes a propeller or a water jet; and at least some of the plurality of vehicle components include a structural rollover member.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the drive assembly is configured to rotate 360 degrees relative to the retractable pod assembly disposed in the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the intermodal shipping container is a High Cube container having a height of 9 feet 6 inches or 8 feet 6 inches and a length of 20 feet, 40 feet, or 45 feet.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of vehicle components are configured to be removably attachably assembled into the assembled configuration of the vehicle.

15. The system of claim 9, further comprising a rotatable component of at least one of the plurality of vehicle components that is configured to be rotated between a retracted position when the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components is in the housed position and an extended position when the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components is in the assembled position.

16. A method, comprising: loading a plurality of boat components in a housed configuration in a container; transporting the container containing the plurality of boat components in the housed configuration to a location; unloading the plurality of boat components from the container and assembling the plurality of boat components into an assembled configuration of a boat; disposing the container on the assembled configuration of the boat, and transporting the container on water from the location to a next location on the assembled configuration of the boat; and disassembling the plurality of boat components and loading the plurality of boat components in the housed configuration in the container at the next location; wherein transporting the container containing the plurality of boat components in the housed configuration to the location includes transporting by truck, freight rail, or container crane.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein assembling the plurality of boat components into the assembled configuration of the boat includes assembling a plurality of hull components configured to receive the container when the boat is in the assembled configuration.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein assembling the plurality of boat components into the assembled configuration of the boat includes stacking a plurality of superstructure blocks on one of the plurality of hull components.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein assembling the plurality of boat components into the assembled configuration of the boat includes extending at least one of a wheelhouse from at least one of the plurality of hull components and extending a propeller or a water jet from at least one of the plurality of hull components.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: selectively extending and retracting a drive assembly from and into a retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of boat components; and steering the boat by rotating the extended drive assembly relative to the retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of boat components when the plurality of boat components is in the assembled configuration of the boat.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary system of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is another perspective illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is another perspective illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a front illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 5A is a sectional illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 5B is another sectional illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 6A is a sectional, exploded illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 6B is a perspective illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 6C is a perspective, exploded illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 7A is another sectional illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 7B is another sectional illustration of the exemplary system of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of another exemplary system of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 9A is a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the exemplary system of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 9B is another perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0023] FIG. 10A is another perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0024] FIG. 10B is a side illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0025] FIG. 10C is another side illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0026] FIG. 10D is a bottom illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0027] FIG. 10E is a top illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0028] FIG. 11A is another perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0029] FIG. 11B is another perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0030] FIG. 11C is another side illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0031] FIG. 11D is another side illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A;

[0032] FIG. 12A is a top illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the exemplary system of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 12B is a perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12A; and

[0034] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for operation of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0035] The exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may provide an effective technique for housing vehicles in containers during shipping. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed system may include one or more vehicles that may be configured to be housed in a container. For example, the one or more vehicles may be configured to take up some, most, or substantially an entire volume of the container. For example, the one or more vehicles may be configured to be as large as can be suitably housed in the container.

[0036] FIGS. 1 through 7B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method. As illustrated in FIG. 2, system 100 may include an apparatus 105 that may include a container 110 and a vehicle assembly 200. Vehicle assembly 200 may be housed in container 110 (e.g., in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration for example as described below). For example, vehicle assembly 200 may be loaded into (e.g., stowed in), housed in (e.g., stored and/or transported in), and/or unloaded from container 110.

[0037] Container 110 may be any suitable container for housing vehicle assembly 200. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, container 110 may include a container housing 115 and one or more door assemblies 120. Access to an interior of housing 115 may be blocked (e.g., covered) or allowed (e.g., opened) via one or more door assemblies 120. In at least some exemplary embodiments, a single door assembly 120 may be disposed at one end or side of container housing 115. Also for example, two door assemblies 120 may be disposed on opposite ends of container housing 115 relative to a length (e.g., long) direction. Further for example, additional door assemblies may be disposed on container housing 115 (e.g., at a side of container housing 115).

[0038] Container housing 115 may include a plurality of side wall members 125, a bottom member 130, and a top member 135 that may be integrally formed and/or attached via any suitable technique such as, for example, via mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts and/or screws), welding, and/or any other suitable attachment technique for attaching structural members. The exemplary disclosed members of container housing 115 may form a cavity 140 for receiving vehicle assembly 200 (e.g., in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration described below). Container housing 115 may be formed from any suitable structural material such as metal, structural plastic, wood, composite material, and/or any other suitable structural material. For example, container housing 115 may be formed from steel or any other suitable structural metal. In at least some exemplary embodiments, container housing 115 may be formed from weathering steel (e.g., maritime-grade Corten steel). In at least some exemplary embodiments, side wall members 125 (e.g., and/or bottom member 130 and/or top member 135) may be corrugated sections. In cases in which container 110 may include a single door assembly 120 on one end, container housing 115 may include an end member that may be similar to and attached to side wall members 125, bottom member 130, and top member 135 to seal one side of container housing 115.

[0039] Door assembly 120 may be formed from similar material as container housing 115. Door assembly 120 may include one or more door members 145 that may be rotatably attached (e.g., via hinges) to container housing 115. Door assembly 120 may include one or more locking bar assemblies 150 that may selectively lock door members 145 closed relative to container housing 115. For example, one or more locking bar assemblies 150 may each include one or more rotatable and/or slidable locking bars and bracket members that may be manipulated to move locking bar assemblies 150 between a locked and unlocked position. Door assembly 120 may include gasket members (e.g., formed from elastomeric material, synthetic or natural rubber, or any other suitable flexible material) for sealing one or more door members 145 against container housing 115 when door assembly 120 is closed.

[0040] In at least some exemplary embodiments, container 110 may be a shipping container. For example, container 110 may be an intermodal shipping container suitable for shipping via container ship, freight rail, truck, and/or any other desired shipping method (e.g., and for movement via container crane). Container 110 may have standard dimensions for global shipping based for example on dimensions set by the International Standards Organization (ISO). In at least some exemplary embodiments, container 110 may be a High Cube (Hi-Cube) container having a height of 9 feet 6 inches (e.g., or 8 feet 6 inches) and a length of 20 feet, 40 feet, or 45 feet. Container 110 may also have any other desired dimensions such as a height of between about 5 feet and about 12 feet (e.g., or more or less) and a length of between about 20 feet and about 60 feet (e.g., or more or less).

[0041] In at least some exemplary embodiments, container 110 may be a relatively smaller size than the exemplary disclosed shipping containers. For example, container 110 may be sized for holding miniatures, models, and/or toys. In such an exemplary case, container 110 may be formed from any suitable material such as plastic, wood, metal, composite material, and/or any other suitable material. The exemplary disclosed members may be integrally formed and/or attached via any suitable attachment technique such as mechanical fasteners, adhesive, tape, hook and loop fasteners, snap-fit attachment, and/or any other suitable attachment method.

[0042] The exemplary disclosed vehicle assembly described herein may be an assembly including one or more (e.g., a plurality of) vehicle components of one or more vehicles such as one or more boats, one or more fixed wing aircraft (e.g., plane or jet), one or more rotary wing aircraft (e.g., helicopter), one or more ground vehicles (e.g., car, truck, construction vehicle, agricultural vehicle, rail vehicle, and/or any other desired ground vehicle), and/or any other suitable vehicle types. For example, vehicle assembly 200 may include vehicle components (e.g., modular vehicle components) for forming a boat (e.g., in at least some exemplary embodiments including container 110).

[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, vehicle assembly 200 may include a plurality of vehicle components for example as described below. Vehicle assembly 200 may include a hull assembly 205 and a superstructure assembly 210. Vehicle components of superstructure assembly 210 may be supported on vehicle components of hull assembly 205 when vehicle assembly 200 is assembled. Vehicle components of hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be modular components that may be rearranged between a housed configuration when housed in cavity 140 of container 110 and an assembled configuration when assembled to form a vehicle (e.g., outside of container 110).

[0044] Vehicle components of hull assembly 205 may be formed from any suitable material for forming a hull of a vehicle (e.g., a boat) such as, for example, fiberglass, wood, polyethylene, aluminum, thermoform, ABS, Kevlar, steel, Polyester, Glass, Ferro-cement, Rubber, Concrete, fiber RP, composite material, and/or any other suitable structural material. Hull assembly 205 may include a barge hull member 215 that may include a barge deck 215a, an intermediate hull member 220 that may include an intermediate deck 220a, and a boat hull member 225 that may include a boat deck 225a. The exemplary disclosed decks may be, for example, wood and/or metal (e.g., steel) decks (e.g., or any other suitable exemplary disclosed material). In at least some exemplary embodiments, intermediate hull member 220 may serve as a detachable section that may lengthen barge hull member 215 (e.g., may be attached to barge hull member 215 to provide additional length, and may be detached so that vehicle assembly 200 may fit into containers of varying sizes). Also for example as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, barge hull member 215 (e.g., and/or intermediate hull member 220) and/or boat hull member 225 may include one or more of the exemplary disclosed retractable pod assemblies for example as further described below regarding FIGS. 9A through 11D.

[0045] Returning to FIGS. 5A through 7B, vehicle components of superstructure assembly 210 may be formed from materials similar to hull assembly 205. Superstructure assembly 210 may include a barge superstructure subassembly 230 and a boat superstructure subassembly 235. Bow superstructure subassembly 230 may be supported at barge hull member 215, and boat superstructure subassembly 235 may be supported at boat hull member 225.

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 7A, barge superstructure subassembly 230 may include a barge wheelhouse 240. Barge wheelhouse 240 may for example include a compartment for a pilot or driver of a barge including and supported by barge hull member 215. Barge wheelhouse 240 may include a rotatable component 240a similar to as described below regarding FIG. 8. For example, rotatable component 240a may include a top of barge wheelhouse 240 and/or electrical components (e.g., antenna) that may rotate between a retracted position when vehicle assembly 200 is housed or stowed in container 100 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5A) and an extended position when vehicle assembly 200 is assembled for example as illustrated in FIG. 7A. For example, rotatable component 240a may be rotated about a hinge or any other suitable mechanical connector rotatably attaching rotatable component 240a to barge wheelhouse 240. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, barge wheelhouse 240 may be raised (e.g., jacked up) from a housed configuration disposed within a cavity of barge hull member 215 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B when vehicle assembly 200 is in the housed configuration) to an extended position extending from barge hull member 215 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 7A when vehicle assembly 200 is in the assembled configuration).

[0047] Boat superstructure subassembly 235 may include a first superstructure block 245, a second superstructure block 250, and a boat wheelhouse 255. First superstructure block 245 may be attached to boat deck 225a of boat hull member 225, second superstructure block 250 may be attached to first superstructure block 245, and boat wheelhouse 255 may be attached to second superstructure block 250 in the assembled configuration of vehicle assembly 200 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 7B) via the exemplary disclosed attachment techniques. For example as illustrated in FIG. 6C, first superstructure block 245 and second superstructure block 250 may include beveled upper edges that may facilitate attachment of second superstructure block 250 to first superstructure block 245, and attachment of boat wheelhouse 255 to second superstructure block 250. Second superstructure block 250 may include one or more aperture assemblies 250a such as, for example, a porthole or window. Barge wheelhouse 240 and/or boat wheelhouse 255 may also include one or more aperture assemblies similar to aperture assembly 250a. A configuration (e.g., profile or height) of boat wheelhouse 255 may be set based on providing one, both, or none of first superstructure block 245 and second superstructure block 250. Boat wheelhouse 255 may include a rotatable component 255a that may be generally similar to rotatable component 240a of barge wheelhouse 240.

[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the exemplary disclosed vehicle components (e.g., modular vehicle components) of vehicle assembly 200 including components of hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be configured to fit together in the housed configuration when housed in container 110. The exemplary disclosed vehicle components may be loaded into (e.g., stowed in) container 110 when container 110 is disposed upright (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4) or on its side (e.g., or in any other suitable position). For example, vehicle components of hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be configured to be positioned together (e.g., stacked, nested, and/or fit together) so that a relatively large amount of vehicle components that take up a relatively larger volume when assembled may be compactly housed in container 110 in the housed configuration, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B (e.g., or in any other desired stacked or nested configuration).

[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6C, vehicle components of vehicle assembly 200 including hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be separated from each other after being unloaded from container 110 (e.g., and/or during unloading). As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 7A, and 7B, components of vehicle assembly 200 including hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be assembled together to form a vehicle (e.g., a boat) that may take up a relatively larger volume than could fit into cavity 140 of container 110. The exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components of hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be unloaded from container 110 and configured into the assembled configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. When configured to be in the assembled configuration, the exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components of hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be attached together using any suitable attachment technique such as removable fasteners (e.g., via bolts or other suitable fasteners), adhesive, snap-fit connection, magnetic connection, welding, sealant, and/or any suitable technique for attaching the exemplary disclosed vehicle components. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components of hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be permanently attached together (e.g., via welding and/or other suitable exemplary disclosed permanent attachment techniques set forth above) to remain fixed in the assembled configuration. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components of hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be removably attached together to remain attached in the assembled configuration for a desired time period (e.g., via the exemplary disclosed removably attachable mechanical attachment techniques), after which the vehicle components may be detached (e.g., and loaded back into and stored and/or transported via container 110). In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components may include electrical connectors (e.g., and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic connectors) that may be removably connected between components (e.g., to facilitate transfer of power such as electrical power through the exemplary disclosed vehicle in the assembled configuration).

[0050] In at least some exemplary embodiments and for example as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7A, the exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components of hull assembly 205 and superstructure assembly 210 may be attached to, support, and/or transport container 110 (e.g., system 100 may be used to carry and transport its own container). Container 110 may be removably attached or permanently attached to the exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components of hull assembly 205 (e.g., and superstructure assembly 210) for example as described above. That is, for example, container 110 may be integrated into an assembled vehicle (e.g., a boat) of apparatus 105. For example, apparatus 105 may be transported (e.g., over land or water) within container 110 in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration to a location to be unloaded. For example, container 110 containing system 100 may be transported in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration by container ship, rail, truck, and/or any other suitable transportation method for transporting container 110. System 100 may then be unloaded from container 110 and assembled into the exemplary disclosed assembled configuration for example as described above. Vehicle assembly 200 may then transport (e.g., carry) its own container over water (e.g., or land depending on the type of vehicle of apparatus 105) to a second location at which apparatus 105 may be re-loaded back into container 110 in the assembled configuration (e.g., for further transportation over land or water). When being transported (e.g., carried) by vehicle assembly 200 in the assembled configuration, container 110 may be attached to vehicle components of vehicle assembly 200 using attachment techniques similar to the exemplary disclosed attachment techniques described above. In at least some exemplary embodiments, vehicle assembly 200 in the assembled configuration may transport container 110 containing another vehicle assembly 200 (e.g., a second vehicle assembly 200) disposed in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration. In at least some exemplary embodiments, barge hull member 215, intermediate hull member 220, and barge superstructure subassembly 230 may form a barge that may transport (e.g., and be attached to via the exemplary disclosed attachment techniques) container 110, and boat hull member 225 and boat superstructure subassembly 235 may form a boat that may help to push the exemplary disclosed barge (e.g., and/or the barge may be powered itself by the exemplary disclosed drives and/or any other suitable drive system).

[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method. System 300 may include an apparatus 305 that may include a container 310 and a vehicle assembly 315. Apparatus 305 may be formed from similar material as apparatus 105. Vehicle assembly 315 may be housed in container 310 similar to as described above regarding system 100.

[0052] Vehicle assembly 315 may be formed from modular vehicle components similar to as described above regarding vehicle assembly 200. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components may include a rotatable component 320. Rotatable component 320 may be rotatable between a retracted position (e.g., folded in similar to as illustrated above regarding rotatable components 240a and 255a) when vehicle assembly 315 is in a housed configuration (e.g., when housed in container 310) and an extended position (e.g., extended similar to as illustrated above regarding rotatable components 240a and 255a) when vehicle assembly 315 is in an assembled configuration when assembled to form a vehicle outside of container 310. Rotatable component 320 may thereby provide a quick and efficient technique for providing for storage of relatively tall components (e.g., including antennae, masts, and/or similar devices) in the exemplary disclosed container (e.g., during shipping). In at least some exemplary embodiments (e.g., as an alternative to including modular components), vehicle assembly 315 may be a single integrated member integrally including rotatable component 320. Vehicle assembly 315 may include one or more of the exemplary disclosed retractable pod assemblies for example as further described below regarding FIGS. 9A through 11D.

[0053] Container 310 (e.g., and/or vehicle assembly 315) may include a drive assembly 325. Drive assembly 325 may be any suitable assembly for providing an automatic unloading of vehicle assembly 315 from container 310. Drive assembly 325 may be a retractable assembly that may selectively extend out from container 310 during unloading or loading and retract back into container 310 when unloading or loading has been completed.

[0054] Drive assembly 325 may include a retractable support 330, a support track 335, and a power component 340. Support track 335 may guide a movement of retractable support 330 for extending out of and retracting into container 310. Power component 340 may drive the movement of retractable support 330 into and out of container 310.

[0055] Support track 335 may be configured to movably receive retractable support 330. Support track 335 may include structural track components (e.g., elongated members such as rails) that may be attached to and/or recessed within side wall members of container 310. Components of support track 335 may receive and/or operably engage with components of retractable support 330 (e.g., structural members that may form a structural frame of retractable support 330). Support track 335 may thereby structurally support and movably attach retractable support 330 to container 310 as retractable support 330 extends from container 310 (e.g., supporting vehicle assembly 315 during unloading) or retracts into container 310 (e.g., supporting vehicle assembly 315 during loading). Components of retractable support 330 may also engage with vehicle assembly 315 to support and stabilize vehicle assembly 315 as retractable support 330 is extended or retracted relative to container 310. Vehicle assembly 315 may thereby be directly loaded or unloaded from container 310 (e.g., from or into water when vehicle assembly 315 is a boat).

[0056] Power component 340 may be any suitable component for driving (e.g., extending and retracting) retractable support 330 such as, for example, an engine or motor. Power component 340 may include any suitable electric motor. Power component 340 may include a servo motor, a stepper motor, a brushless motor, and/or any other suitable type of motor. Power component 340 may include a reversible electric motor (e.g., a reversible electric motor) and/or one or more unidirectional motors (e.g., one-way motors). Power component 340 may also include any suitable power source for powering an operation of power component 340. For example, power component 340 may include a battery, an electrical plug (e.g., to connect to an external power source), a renewable energy component such as a solar power connector (e.g., solar panels), and/or any other suitable power source. Power component 340 may include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a polymer lithium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, an ultracapacitor battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel cadmium battery, and/or any other suitable power source.

[0057] Drive assembly 325 may also include a controller 345 that may be any suitable computing device for controlling an operation of drive assembly 325 (e.g., of power component 340). For example, controller 345 may include a processor (e.g., micro-processing logic control device) or board components. Controller 345 may control power component 340 based on input data and/or commands (e.g., control commands) received directly from a user device 350 or from user device 350 via a network 355.

[0058] User device 350 may be any suitable device for interfacing with controller 345 and/or any other suitable components of system 300 (e.g., or other exemplary disclosed systems such as system 100). User device 350 may be any suitable user interface for receiving input and/or providing output (e.g., image data) to a user of system 300. User device 350 may be, for example, a touchscreen device (e.g., of a smartphone, a tablet, a smartboard, and/or any suitable computer device), a wearable device, a computer keyboard and monitor (e.g., desktop or laptop), an audio-based device for entering input and/or receiving output via sound, a tactile-based device for entering input and receiving output based on touch or feel, a dedicated user interface designed to work specifically with other components of system 300, and/or any other suitable user interface. For example, user device 350 may include a touchscreen device of a smartphone or handheld tablet. For example, user device 350 may include a display (e.g., a computing device display, a touchscreen display, and/or any other suitable type of display) that may provide output, image data, and/or any other desired output or input prompt to a user. For example, the exemplary display may include a graphical user interface to facilitate entry of input by a user and/or receiving output such as image data. Any suitable application and/or web browser (e.g., for controlling drive assembly 325) may be installed on user device 350 and utilized by a user of system 300.

[0059] Network 355 may be any suitable communication network over which data may be transferred between controller 345, user device 350, and/or any other suitable components of system 300 (e.g., components of vehicle assembly 315, and/or of system 100). Network 355 may be the internet, a LAN (e.g., via Ethernet LAN), a WAN, a WiFi network, or any other suitable network. The components of system 300 may also be directly connected (e.g., by wire, cable, USB connection, and/or any other suitable electro-mechanical connection) to each other and/or connected via network 355. For example, components of system 300 may wirelessly transmit data by any suitable technique such as, e.g., wirelessly transmitting data via 4G LTE networks (e.g., or 5G networks) or any other suitable data transmission technique for example via network communication. Also for example, controller 345, user device 350, and/or any other suitable components of system 300 (e.g., and/or system 100) may communicate via WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, NFC, IrDA, and/or any other suitable short distance technique.

[0060] System 300 (e.g., controller 345 and/or user device 350) may include one or modules for performing the exemplary disclosed operations (e.g., operation of drive assembly 325). The one or more modules may be stored and operated by any suitable components of system 300 (e.g., including processor components) such as, for example, controller 345, user device 350, components of vehicle assembly 315, and/or any other suitable component of system 300. For example, system 300 may include one or more modules having computer-executable code stored in non-volatile memory. System 300 may also include one or more storages (e.g., buffer storages). The exemplary disclosed buffer storage may be implemented in software and/or a fixed memory location in hardware of system 300. The exemplary disclosed buffer storage (e.g., a data buffer) may store data temporarily during an operation of system 300. The other exemplary disclosed systems (e.g., system 100) may include similar components and may operate similarly.

[0061] FIGS. 9A through 11D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the exemplary disclosed retractable pod assembly that may be included in system 100 and/or system 300 as described above. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, one or more retractable pod assemblies 400 may be removably or permanently attached at respective pod apertures 405 of any suitable locations of the exemplary disclosed vehicles described herein. Pod aperture 405 may be an aperture extending through a substantially entire hull and deck of an exemplary disclosed hull member or a cavity formed in an exemplary disclosed hull member. Pod aperture 405 may have any suitable width or diameter such as, for example, between about 1 foot and about 4 feet, between about 18 and about 3 feet, between about 18 and about 30, between about 21 and about 27 (e.g., about 2 feet), or any other suitable width or diameter. FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 7A, and 7B illustrate retractable pod assemblies 400a and 400b that may be similar to retractable pod assembly 400 and disposed in the exemplary disclosed members of hull assembly 205. One or more retractable pod assemblies similar to retractable pod assembly 400 may also be disposed in vehicle assembly 315. Retractable pod assembly 400 may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position as described further below. Retractable pod assembly 400 may be formed from any suitable materials for forming a drive for a vehicle such as, for example, metal (e.g., alloys formed from aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, brass, and bronze), structural plastic, cast iron, and/or any other suitable structural materials. Portions of retractable pod assembly 400 may be rust-proofed and/or similarly protected against corrosion.

[0062] FIGS. 10A through 10E illustrate the retracted position of retractable pod assembly 400. In the retracted position, a drive assembly 410 may be retracted within a pod housing 415 that may be disposed in pod aperture 405. Drive assembly 410 may be selectively extended out of pod housing 415 for example as described further below.

[0063] Pod housing 415 may include a fixed base 420, a mounting plate 425, and a base extension 428. Fixed base 420, mounting plate 425, and base extension 428 may be attached via mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts and/or screws), welding, and/or any other suitable attachment technique for attaching structural members. Fixed base 420 and/or mounting plate 425 may be attached to an exemplary disclosed hull member via mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts and/or screws), welding, and/or any other suitable attachment technique. Base extension 428 may be similarly attached to fixed base 420 and/or mounting plate 425. A power drive assembly 430 of drive assembly 410 may be movably supported within fixed base 420 and/or base extension 428.

[0064] Power drive assembly 430 may include a power pack and drive pod for driving the exemplary disclosed vehicle, which may be supported within a drive housing 435. Power drive assembly 430 may provide and/or transfer power to any suitable motor or actuator for moving power drive assembly 430 (e.g., may move drive housing 435) relative to fixed base 420 and base extension 428 to extend and retract power drive assembly 430 out of and into pod aperture 405. Power drive assembly 430 may include power components similar to as described above regarding power component 340, which may actuate power drive assembly 430 relative to fixed base 420 and power the exemplary disclosed drive described below. Power drive assembly 430 may include any suitable power source that may be included (e.g., self-contained) in power drive assembly 430. The exemplary disclosed power source may be an electric power source (e.g., a motor) including a battery for example as described above, an engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine), or any other suitable power source that may be included in power drive assembly 430. The exemplary disclosed power source may alternatively be an external power source that may feed power to power drive assembly 430. Drive housing 435 may be configured to fit within fixed base 420, and may have any suitable dimensions such as, for example, a height between about 1 foot and about 3 feet or more (e.g., between about 1 foot and about 2 feet, for example about 18), and a width between about 1 foot and about 3 feet or more (e.g., between about 1 foot and about 2 feet, for example about 18).

[0065] A steering ring 440 and/or an upper drive frame 445 may be attached to drive housing 435 and to each other. Steering ring 440 and upper drive frame 445 may be formed from structural material similar to fixed base 420, mounting plate 425, and base extension 428. Steering ring 440 and upper drive frame 445 may form a lift cylinder and piston for guiding a movement of drive assembly 410 (e.g., including a drive 450) relative to pod housing 415. Steering ring 440 and upper drive frame 445 may structurally support lower drive frame 448 and drive 450.

[0066] Lower drive frame 448 may structurally support drive 450. Lower drive frame 448 may be attached to upper drive frame 445 similar to the exemplary disclosed attachment techniques described above. Lower drive frame 448 may movably support moving components of drive 450 (e.g., a drive component such as a propeller). Lower drive frame 448 may include a plate 455 that may be disposed at a distal (e.g., lower) end of lower drive frame 448 and that may be configured to be received at a plate aperture 428a (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 11D) of base extension 428. Plate 455 may also be configured to correspond to a hull shape or profile of the exemplary disclosed hull member. Plate 455 may thereby substantially close or block plate aperture 428a when retractable pod assembly 400 is in the retracted position. Drive 450 may be any suitable type of drive that may be powered by power drive assembly 430 such as, for example, a propeller, a jet drive (e.g., a water jet), a paddlewheel, a turbofan, and/or any other suitable drive for a given vehicle.

[0067] Drive assembly 410 may be retracted and extended relative to pod housing 415, for example between the retracted position illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 10E and the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 11A through 11D. When drive assembly 410 is in the retracted position illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 10E, drive housing 435 housing power drive assembly 430 may be in an upper position extending out from fixed base 420, upper drive frame 445 may be disposed in fixed base 420 with steering ring 440 disposed at and/or abutting against a top of fixed base 420, and lower drive frame 448 supporting drive 450 may be disposed in base extension 428, with plate 455 closing or blocking plate aperture 428a. When drive assembly 410 is in the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 11A through 11D, drive housing 435 housing power drive assembly 430 may be in a lower position disposed in fixed base 420, upper drive frame 445 may be disposed in base extension 428 with steering ring 440 disposed at a bottom of fixed base 420 and/or abutting a bottom of mounting plate 425 and/or a top of base extension 428, and lower drive frame 448 supporting drive 450 may be extended out (e.g., fully extended out) of base extension 428. Drive assembly 410 may be in the retracted position illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 10E when the exemplary disclosed system is in the housed configuration (e.g., to more easily fit into the exemplary disclosed container), and drive assembly 410 may be in the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 11A through 11D when the exemplary disclosed system is in the assembled configuration.

[0068] When drive assembly 410 is in the extended position illustrated in FIGS. 11A through 11D, drive assembly 410 may be fully rotatable (e.g., may rotate 360 degrees) relative to pod housing 415 and one of the exemplary disclosed hull members (e.g., as illustrated in the exemplary disclosed rotation between FIGS. 11A and 11B). For example, drive assembly 410 including power drive assembly 430 housed in drive housing 435, steering ring 440, upper drive frame 445, lower drive frame 448, and drive 450 may be freely rotatable to rotate together (e.g., may be rotatable with up to a 360 degree of freedom rotation). Drive assembly 410 may thereby be rotated to position drive 450 to propel the exemplary disclosed vehicle in any desired direction.

[0069] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method. System 500 may include an apparatus 505 that may include a container 510 similar to container 110 and a vehicle assembly 515. Apparatus 505 may be formed from similar material as apparatus 105. Vehicle assembly 515 may be housed in container 510 similar to as described above regarding system 100.

[0070] FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary configuration of retractable pod assemblies 400 that may be disposed on vehicle assembly 515. For example, any suitable number of retractable pod assemblies 400 may be disposed in any desired configuration on vehicle assembly 515. For example, the exemplary disclosed configuration of retractable pod assemblies 400 may allow apparatus 505 to move at a relatively fast speed in one or more desired directions. In at least some exemplary embodiments, retractable pod assemblies 400 may communicate with and/or be controlled using user devices and/or a network similar to user devices 350 and network 355 described above.

[0071] FIG. 12B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary disclosed rollover system. The exemplary disclosed rollover system may include a plurality of rollover members (e.g., rollover member 550a, 550b, and 550c) that may be integrated into the exemplary disclosed hull members of the exemplary disclosed vehicles. For example, the exemplary disclosed rollover members may be rollover bars or rails (e.g., double rails) that may be disposed outside, inside, or integrated into the exemplary disclosed hull members. The exemplary disclosed rollover members may be for example structural metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) shapes such as rails, structural shapes (e.g., beams or angles), and/or any other suitable elongated structural member. The exemplary disclosed rollover members (e.g., rollover member 550a, 550b, and 550c) may substantially prevent structural damage to the exemplary disclosed vehicle components during loading and unloading from the exemplary disclosed containers (e.g., may prevent structural damage if a vehicle component rolls, for example from an upright position onto its side). Any suitable vehicle components (e.g., vehicle members) of the exemplary disclosed vehicles described herein may include the exemplary disclosed rollover members.

[0072] In at least some exemplary embodiments, any of the exemplary disclosed vehicle assemblies described above may be sized as a miniature, model, and/or toy (e.g., and the exemplary disclosed container may be sized for holding miniatures, models, and/or toys). In such an exemplary case, the exemplary disclosed vehicle assembly may be formed from any suitable material such as plastic, wood, metal, composite material, and/or any other suitable material. The exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components of the exemplary disclosed vehicle assembly (e.g., when sized to be relatively small) may be attached via any suitable attachment technique such as mechanical fasteners, adhesive, tape, hook and loop fasteners, snap-fit attachment, and/or any other suitable attachment method.

[0073] In at least some exemplary embodiments, exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components of a plurality of different vehicles may be included in the exemplary disclosed system. For example, exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components of a plurality of vehicles may be contained and transported in a single exemplary disclosed container.

[0074] The exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be used in any suitable application for transporting (e.g., shipping) a vehicle. The exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be used in any suitable application for housing a vehicle in a container during shipping. The exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be used in any suitable application for shipping vehicles such as shipping boats, aircraft, and/or ground vehicles using shipping containers. For example, the exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be used in any suitable application for housing one or more boats in an intermodal shipping container for transportation of the one or more boats. The exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may be used in any suitable application for housing toy vehicles such as one or more toy boats in a container.

[0075] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary process of using the exemplary disclosed system and apparatus. Process 600 begins at step 605. At step 610, the exemplary disclosed system (e.g., system 100, system 300, or system 500) may be moved from a given location to a next location. The exemplary disclosed system may be in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration and contained in the exemplary disclosed container (e.g., container 110, container 310, or container 510) during movement (e.g., transport). The exemplary disclosed container may contain the exemplary disclosed plurality of vehicle components in the housed configuration and may be transported to a location. The exemplary disclosed container containing the exemplary disclosed system may be transported via container ship, freight rail, truck, container crane, and/or any other desired shipping or moving method (e.g., for intermodal shipping containers). In at least some exemplary embodiment, the exemplary disclosed system in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration may be transported by another exemplary disclosed system that may be in the exemplary disclosed assembled configuration.

[0076] At step 615 at the next or new location, the exemplary disclosed system (e.g., a plurality of vehicle components of system 100, system 300, or system 500) may be unloaded from the exemplary disclosed container (e.g., container 110, container 310, or container 510). In at least some exemplary embodiments utilizing system 300, vehicle assembly 315 may be directly off-loaded from container 310 at a location such as a dock or shore into a body of water (e.g., based on an operation of drive assembly 325, retractable support 330, support track 335, and power component 340 for example as described above). Also in at least some exemplary embodiments utilizing any of the exemplary disclosed systems, the exemplary disclosed rollover members (e.g., rollover member 550a, rollover member 550b, and/or rollover member 550c) may be used to protect components of the exemplary disclosed systems from structural damage as they are unloaded (e.g., and/or as they are reconfigured at step 620).

[0077] At step 620, the exemplary disclosed system (e.g., system 100, system 300, or system 500) may be reconfigured from the exemplary disclosed housed configuration (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6B) to the exemplary disclosed assembled configuration (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 7A, and 7B). For example, the exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components (e.g., disposed in the housed configuration) may be separated from each other as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6C. The exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components may then be assembled in the exemplary disclosed assembled configuration for example as described above. In at least some exemplary embodiments (e.g., regarding system 100), vehicle components of vehicle assembly 200 may be put into the assembled configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 7A, and 7B, for example including extending barge wheelhouse 240, stacking boat wheelhouse 255 on blocks 245 and 250, arranging hull members 215, 220, and 225, and rotating rotatable components 240a and 255a as described above. When the exemplary disclosed vehicle assembly is ready for movement, one or more exemplary disclosed retractable pod assemblies (e.g., retractable pod assemblies 400, 400a, and/or 400b) may be extended from the exemplary disclosed retracted position to the exemplary disclosed extended position for example as described above.

[0078] At step 625, the exemplary disclosed vehicle assembly (e.g., vehicle assembly 200, vehicle assembly 315, or vehicle assembly 515) may move to a next desired location and/or make any desired movement to one or more suitable destinations. In doing so, the exemplary disclosed vehicle assembly may transport (e.g., carry) its own container. Step 625 may include disposing the exemplary disclosed container on the assembled configuration of the exemplary disclosed vehicle, and transporting the exemplary disclosed container from the location to a next location on the assembled configuration of the exemplary disclosed vehicle. For example as illustrated in FIG. 2, vehicle assembly 200 may transport container 110 supported on barge hull member 215 and intermediate hull member 220, thereby allowing an entire system 100 to transport itself (e.g., after being unloaded from container 110 at step 615). One or more exemplary disclosed retractable pod assemblies (e.g., retractable pod assemblies 400, 400a, and/or 400b) may be operated in the exemplary disclosed extended position and rotated to move the exemplary disclosed vehicle assembly in the assembled configuration in a desired direction (e.g., to the next location).

[0079] At step 630, the exemplary disclosed system (e.g., system 100, system 300, or system 500) may be reconfigured from the exemplary disclosed assembled configuration (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 7A, and 7B) to the exemplary disclosed housed configuration (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6B). For example, the exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components (e.g., disposed in the assembled configuration) may be disassembled (e.g., separated from each other) as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6C. The exemplary disclosed modular vehicle components may then be configured in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration for example as described above (e.g., with some or substantially all of the exemplary vehicle components being configured in the housed configuration prior to being moved or pushed into the exemplary disclosed container). For example regarding system 100, vehicle components of vehicle assembly 200 may be put into the housed configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6B, for example including retracting barge wheelhouse 240, unstacking boat wheelhouse 255 from blocks 245 and 250, and rotating rotatable components 240a and 255a as described above. One or more exemplary disclosed retractable pod assemblies (e.g., retractable pod assemblies 400, 400a, and/or 400b) may be retracted from the exemplary disclosed extended position to the exemplary disclosed retracted position for example as described above.

[0080] At step 635, the exemplary disclosed system (e.g., system 100, system 300, or system 500) may be loaded in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration in the exemplary disclosed container (e.g., system 100, system 300, or system 500). In at least some exemplary embodiments utilizing system 300, vehicle assembly 315 may be directly loaded into container 310 at a location such as a body of water at a dock or shore at which container 310 is disposed (e.g., based on an operation of drive assembly 325, retractable support 330, support track 335, and power component 340 for example as described above). For example, the exemplary disclosed container may be moved from the exemplary disclosed vehicle to a shore or dock prior to loading of the exemplary disclosed vehicle assembly into the exemplary disclosed container. Also in at least some exemplary embodiments utilizing any of the exemplary disclosed systems, the exemplary disclosed rollover members (e.g., rollover member 550a, rollover member 550b, and/or rollover member 550c) may be used to protect components of the exemplary disclosed systems from structural damage as they are loaded.

[0081] At step 640, it may be determined whether or not the exemplary disclosed system (e.g., system 100, system 300, or system 500) configured in the exemplary disclosed housed configuration and contained in the exemplary disclosed container (e.g., container 110, container 310, or container 510) is to be moved to a next location (e.g., via container ship, freight rail, truck, container crane, and/or any other desired shipping method). If the exemplary disclosed system is to be moved to a next location, process 600 returns to step 610. As many iterations as desired of steps 610 through 640 may be performed. For example, the exemplary disclosed system may be moved to as many locations as desired using the exemplary disclosed steps of disassembling, loading, unloading, and assembling of the exemplary disclosed vehicle components described above. If the exemplary disclosed system is not to be moved to a next location, process 600 ends at step 645.

[0082] The invention includes other illustrative embodiments (Embodiments) as follows.

[0083] Embodiment 1: A method, comprising: loading a plurality of vehicle components in a housed configuration in a container; transporting the container containing the plurality of vehicle components in the housed configuration to a location; unloading the plurality of vehicle components from the container and assembling the plurality of vehicle components into an assembled configuration of a vehicle; disposing the container on the assembled configuration of the vehicle, and transporting the container from the location to a next location on the assembled configuration of the vehicle; and disassembling the plurality of vehicle components and loading the plurality of vehicle components in the housed configuration in the container at the next location.

[0084] Embodiment 2: The method of Embodiment 1, wherein further comprising selectively extending and retracting a drive assembly out of and into a retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

[0085] Embodiment 3: The method of Embodiment 1, further comprising rotating a drive assembly, which is selectively extendable from and retractable into a retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of vehicle components when the plurality of vehicle components is in the assembled configuration of the vehicle, 360 degrees relative to the retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

[0086] Embodiment 4: The method of Embodiment 3, further comprising moving the assembled configuration of the vehicle using the drive assembly when extended from the retractable pod assembly disposed in the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

[0087] Embodiment 5: The method of Embodiment 1, further comprising rotating a rotatable component of at least one of the plurality of vehicle components between a retracted position when the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components is in the housed position and an extended position when the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components is in the assembled position.

[0088] Embodiment 6: The method of Embodiment 1, wherein the container is an intermodal High Cube shipping container having a height of 9 feet 6 inches or 8 feet 6 inches and a length of 20 feet, 40 feet, or 45 feet.

[0089] Embodiment 7: The method of Embodiment 1, further comprising unloading the plurality of vehicle components in the housed configuration from the container using a retractable support movably attached to the container.

[0090] Embodiment 8: The method of Embodiment 1, wherein the vehicle is a boat and the container is attached to a plurality of hull members of the plurality of vehicle components when the plurality of vehicle components is in the assembled configuration of the vehicle.

[0091] Embodiment 9: A system for use with an intermodal shipping container, comprising: a plurality of vehicle components configured to be housed and shipped in the intermodal shipping container in a housed configuration; wherein the plurality of vehicle components is also configured to be assembled into an assembled configuration of a vehicle; and wherein the plurality of vehicle components assembled in the assembled configuration of the vehicle is configured to receive and transport the intermodal shipping container.

[0092] Embodiment 10: The system of Embodiment 9, further comprising a retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of vehicle components, the retractable pod assembly including a drive assembly configured to selectively extend from and retract into the retractable pod assembly disposed in the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

[0093] Embodiment 11: The system of Embodiment 10, wherein: the vehicle is a boat and the drive assembly includes a propeller or a water jet; and at least some of the plurality of vehicle components include a structural rollover member.

[0094] Embodiment 12: The system of Embodiment 10, wherein the drive assembly is configured to rotate 360 degrees relative to the retractable pod assembly disposed in the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components.

[0095] Embodiment 13: The system of Embodiment 9, wherein the intermodal shipping container is a High Cube container having a height of 9 feet 6 inches or 8 feet 6 inches and a length of 20 feet, 40 feet, or 45 feet.

[0096] Embodiment 14: The system of Embodiment 9, wherein the plurality of vehicle components are configured to be removably attachably assembled into the assembled configuration of the vehicle.

[0097] Embodiment 15: The system of Embodiment 9, further comprising a rotatable component of at least one of the plurality of vehicle components that is configured to be rotated between a retracted position when the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components is in the housed position and an extended position when the at least one of the plurality of vehicle components is in the assembled position.

[0098] Embodiment 16: A method, comprising: loading a plurality of boat components in a housed configuration in a container; transporting the container containing the plurality of boat components in the housed configuration to a location; unloading the plurality of boat components from the container and assembling the plurality of boat components into an assembled configuration of a boat; disposing the container on the assembled configuration of the boat, and transporting the container on water from the location to a next location on the assembled configuration of the boat; and disassembling the plurality of boat components and loading the plurality of boat components in the housed configuration in the container at the next location. Transporting the container containing the plurality of boat components in the housed configuration to the location includes transporting by truck, freight rail, or container crane.

[0099] Embodiment 17: The method of Embodiment 16, wherein assembling the plurality of boat components into the assembled configuration of the boat includes assembling a plurality of hull components configured to receive the container when the boat is in the assembled configuration.

[0100] Embodiment 18: The method of Embodiment 17, wherein assembling the plurality of boat components into the assembled configuration of the boat includes stacking a plurality of superstructure blocks on one of the plurality of hull components.

[0101] Embodiment 19: The method of Embodiment 17, wherein assembling the plurality of boat components into the assembled configuration of the boat includes extending at least one of a wheelhouse from at least one of the plurality of hull components and extending a propeller or a water jet from at least one of the plurality of hull components.

[0102] Embodiment 20: The method of Embodiment 16, further comprising: selectively extending and retracting a drive assembly from and into a retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of boat components; and steering the boat by rotating the extended drive assembly relative to the retractable pod assembly disposed in at least one of the plurality of boat components when the plurality of boat components is in the assembled configuration of the boat.

[0103] The exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may provide an effective technique for housing vehicles such as boats in containers during shipping. For example, the exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may provide an effective technique for providing vehicles that are suitably configured for shipping using intermodal shipping containers. The exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may provide an effective technique for configuring a vehicle such as a boat to be shipped in a secure manner using a shipping container. The exemplary disclosed system, apparatus, and method may also provide an effective technique for configuring a vehicle to utilize or take up most or substantially an entire volume of a shipping container to provide for effective shipping of suitably designed vehicles.

[0104] It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments.

[0105] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed system, apparatus, and method. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed method and apparatus. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims.