Abstract:
An insulated food tray transportation wagon. The single-piece, low-weight, insulated food tray transportation wagon is equipped with sliding panels designed to wedge into place by either friction at any intermediate position to limit the need for an external locking mechanism or by using a step-based notched locking mechanism. The wagon also provides for a flat-panel geometry system, a thin, shell-molded casing made of flame-retardant material and shell insulation for reducing the weight of the wagon. The wagon is also equipped with a series of bottom drains, a kick plate and a series of top handles for maneuvering the wagon. The wagon is equipped with a flat, beverage-holding section located above the wagon, symmetrical handling devices for pulling and pushing the wagon from all sides, and alternatively, a sturdy pivoting hitch to connect a plurality of wagons for simultaneous transportation.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an insulated food tray transportation wagon and system of delivery of temperature-controlled meals, and in particular, to a wagon equipped with friction-based or step-based, self-locking doors; a low-mass, flame-retardant, double-walled shell casing; a series of bottom drains for liquid and solid waste; an optional kick plate and symmetrical top handles for maneuvering the wagon; a flat, beverage-holding section; an optional pivoting hitch for the transportation of multiple wagons and an associated notch hole; an improved symmetrical door system for easy access to insulated food trays and better temperature control; and an optimized food storage volume. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Food processing centers, such as kitchens, cafeterias, and other facilities, portion bulk food items into meals for human consumption. Meals are generally made of a combination of appetizers, entrées, sides, condiments, desserts, and beverages arranged on a single plate or tray that is divided into different compartments. The different food elements of a meal are often temperature controlled, portion controlled, and environmentally controlled to enhance the eating experience. These food elements have smells, consistencies, and methods of preparations that differ and often become stale or less enjoyable if the meal trays are shaken, rotated, or allowed to cool. In many cases, meals must be temperature controlled and delivered to a consumer within a fixed period of time, with a minimum of physical interference with the meal produced by the food processing center. 
     Numerous techniques are used to overcome these obstacles, such as local heating of selected food elements at a consumer station with microwaves or other convection ovens; the use of large eating areas located adjacent to the food processing center, as in the case of school cafeterias, to reduce transit times; the use of dried foods to be mixed with hot water obtained just prior to consumption; ultrared radiation heating; and the like. One solution of particular relevance to this disclosure is the use of a wagon having unique insulating properties to transport temperature-controlled meals from the food processing center to consumers. 
     One of the most extreme environments where wagons may be used, and one of the primary fields of use contemplated by this disclosure, is the use of insulated wagons in correctional facilities. While this disclosure focuses on correctional facilities, it is understood that any environment where temperature-controlled meals are served to large groups of individuals, such as hospitals, airliners, schools, convention centers, hotels, outdoor sports events, military mess halls, etc., are equally contemplated. Meals are often prepared and portioned in food trays by nonspecialized workers. 
     One possible type of food tray shown in this disclosure is a stackable, multicompartment insulated food tray. While one type of tray is shown, it is understood that any type of food tray is equally contemplated. Insulated food trays are stacked in a wagon and are often transported over long distances, across courtyards, through underground corridors, and through security posts prior to delivery to individuals housed in confined areas by nonspecialized workers. Wagons may need to be maneuvered through confined areas and gated checkpoints by operators. During delivery, operators must be able to access food trays with ease while not placing themselves in harm&#39;s way. In correctional environments, inmates may reach across fenced gates to grab elements on the wagon. Delivery agent, operator, and inmate safety during the delivery process is paramount. For this reason, wagons cannot include rough edges, detachable parts, and the doors must be offset from the outer edges of the wagon and composed of nonbreakable and nondetachable parts having locking options. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,601 issued to Hofheins et al. describes one model of correctional meal delivery cart with numerous disadvantages. This cart is equipped with sliding doors that must be locked with a hasp to prevent movement and may fall within reach of inmates during delivery operations. Operators must also carry some type of locking device, generally made of metal. What is needed is a new type of cart that allows the operator to close the inner volume without the use of detachable parts associated with a locking mechanism. Hofheins et al. also describes the use of thermally insulated doors and a shell casing made of high-impact polyethylene and rotating foam insulation. This foam insulation is highly compact and results in the enclosure being very heavy. The enclosure is placed over a heavy metal rail where a driving unit can be attached. The resulting cart is described having an empty weight of 1 to 2 tons, which causes serious maneuverability problems for a single operator during delivery operations. Hofheins et al. also does not take into account the possibility that flames may be used to degrade the enclosure and does not use recently improved materials to reduce the overall weight of the enclosure and chassis to improve maneuverability. Hofheins et al. also describes a wagon with an interior enclosure with bottom ridges oriented at a forward angle, which are meant to drain liquids away from the back portion of the enclosure toward the front of the wagon. The drain system in Hofheins et al. is complex, requires the use of uneven geometries created in the single-molded casing, and requires the creation of cuts or opening in the door portion. What is needed is an improved drainage system to adequately evacuate any fluid or small element from within the enclosure after spills or during cleaning. 
     Hofheins et al. also describes a device with small, oddly positioned push handles, which are located at waist height and work in tandem with an undercarriage driving engine to maneuver the heavy cart. What is needed is an easy-to-maneuver cart able to be transported by a single operator. Hofheins et al. also uses an angled top section for the enclosure to prevent any use of the upper section above the enclosure. What is needed is a wagon able to utilize this space to improve the meal delivery system. What is also needed is a lighter wagon equipped with adequate pushing and pulling elements to maneuver the wagon during operation even when loaded with insulating trays and meals and able to store or transport beverages, utensils, or other food elements to be provided along with the meals. What is also needed is the capacity to attach several wagons in a train configuration using a robust hitch system and where the doors are optimized to be used in a correctional environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure describes an insulated food tray transportation wagon primarily for use in correctional facility kitchen applications under extreme conditions of operation. The single-piece, low-weight, insulated food tray transportation wagon is equipped with sliding panels designed to wedge into place by either friction at any intermediate position to limit the need for an external locking mechanism or by using a step-based notched locking mechanism. The wagon also provides for a flat-panel geometry system to minimize heat transfer between the outside and the inside volume. The wagon also possesses a thin, shell-molded casing made of flame-retardant material and shell insulation for reducing the weight of the wagon to improve maneuverability and prevent damage from burning objects in contact with the wagon. The wagon is also equipped with a series of bottom drains made in the bottom portion of the enclosure to allow liquids and small objects such as food waste to evacuate after washing. In an alternate contemplated embodiment, the wagon includes a kick plate and a series of top handles for maneuvering the wagon with the feet and hands using a kick plate or a pulling mechanism, the top handles being placed judiciously above shoulder height to optimize the pushing capacity of an operator. The wagon is equipped with a flat, beverage-holding section located above the wagon, symmetrical handling devices for pulling and pushing the wagon from all sides, and alternatively, a sturdy pivoting hitch to connect a plurality of wagons for simultaneous transportation, all relating to a food storage volume optimally designed to hold tightly insulating food trays of a uniform size. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the present disclosure are believed to be novel and are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The disclosure may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the figures that employ like reference numerals identify like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an insulated food tray transportation wagon according to an embodiment of the present invention where the wagon is shown with an operator holding the handling device during maneuvering. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the insulated food tray transportation wagon as shown in  FIG. 1  where the wagon is shown with an operator accessing the insulated food trays within the enclosed volume. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the insulated food tray transportation wagon as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is bottom view of the insulated food tray transportation wagon as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective front view of the insulated food tray transportation wagon as shown in  FIG. 1  with food items located in the upper area with one panel partly opened. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective front view of the insulated food tray transportation wagon as shown in  FIG. 1  with food items located in the upper area with both panels closed. 
         FIG. 7  is a left side view of the insulated food tray transportation wagon as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a top cut view along break lines  8 - 8  as shown in  FIG. 5  illustrating a possible arrangement of insulated food trays within the enclosed volume. 
         FIG. 9  is a close-up sectional view along break line  9  as shown in  FIG. 2  illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is an animated close-up front view along the dashed line shown in  FIG. 5  illustrating a possible embodiment of the closure system of the door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The initial assignee of the subject matter of the present disclosure markets and offers for sale one possible commercial embodiment associated with this disclosure known as the CHUCKWAGON™ by Cortech Correctional Technologies, Inc. 
     The current assignee of the subject matter of the present disclosure also markets food trays intended to be stored within the wagon shown in  FIG. 1 . These trays are sold under the trademarks ROCK-TRAYS™ and X TRAYS™. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/423,599, filed on Jun. 12, 2006, by the current assignee, relates to the new technology embodied by the X-TRAYS™ of Cortech Correctional Technologies, Inc. and is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an insulated food tray transportation wagon  100  according to a first embodiment of the present invention where the wagon  100  is shown with an operator  1  maneuvering the wagon  100  by pushing the top handles  2 . The operator  1  can, in one alternate embodiment, also use kick plates  3  located on the bottom section of each side of the external surface  5  of the molded shell  4 . While  FIGS. 1-8  illustrate a first embodiment of the wagon  100  equipped with kick plates  3  and a pivoting hitch  10  used for additional movement capacities. what is also contemplated is a wagon  100  without a kick plate  3  or a pivoting hitch  10 . One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that different wagons  100  are contemplated where additional protection or plates are placed on the external surface  5  of the molded shell  4 . What is also contemplated is the use of external pulling or moving devices attached by different structural elements linked to the external surface  5  of the molded shell  4  to add to the mobility of the wagon  100 . In yet another embodiment, the external surface  5  of the molded shell  4  is pushed directly by the operator. 
     The different elements of the molded shell  4  are best shown on the top sectional view of  FIG. 8 . The kick plates  3  are made of a stainless steel plate attached onto the external surface  5  of the molded shell  4  and designed to absorb shocks from the operator&#39;s kicks. In one embodiment, the kick plates  3  are secured during assembly of the base  6 , but it is understood that any method of fixation of the kick plates  3  is contemplated, including but not limited to adhesion with glue to the wagon  100 , the use of bolts and magnets, and insertion in sliding lock elements made in the external surface  5  of the molded shell  4 . In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the base  6  is made of two U-shaped channels  6   a ,  6   b  with cross struts  8  for improved stability placed over and around an outside edge shaped in the external surface  5 . The two U-shaped channels  6   a  and  6   b  are mechanically connected by a junction channel  6   c . What is contemplated is the use of a closed metallic structure formed around the base  6  to provide additional stability to the wagon  100 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , struts  75  held by a fixation means  76  such as tamper-proof bolts are used to provide additional stability and strength. What is contemplated is the use of any type of steel of sufficient resistance to provide protection against any man-made shock or damage inflicted upon the wagon  100 . In one embodiment, the steel is stainless steel gauge  10  and the twelve screws are stainless steel torx head tamperproof screws. This closed metallic structure may include ribs, recesses, or notches  7  to further reduce the weight of the molded shell  4 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a cut-away view of the closed metallic structure placed above an outer ring of the molded shell  4 . The molded shell  4  includes radial notches  78 ,  77  placed around the edge of the molded shell  4 . The base  6  is locked into place around the molded shell  4  to allow for gaps and openings to allow for the evacuation of liquid and solid waste from within the wagon  100  to the floor.  FIG. 9  illustrates a detailed sectional view of the U-shaped channel with a bottom aperture  74  and cut holes  76  located under the base  6  as shown in  FIG. 4 . What is contemplated is the use of oblong cut holes machined in the U-shaped channels using a laser cutter. While one type of hole-making technology is disclosed, what is contemplated is the use of any technology, including molding, forming, boring, etc. to allow for an opening and a communication between the upper surface of the U-shaped channels and the lower surface of the U-shaped channels.  FIG. 4  shows a configuration where a handful of cut holes  76  and apertures  74  are made, but what is contemplated is the use of any quantity of apertures sufficient to allow for the proper evacuation of liquid and solid waste from the wagon  100  to the floor. What is also contemplated is the use of internal pipes and tubes molded within the molded shell  4 . In addition, the closed metallic structure placed above an outer ring of the molded shell  4  is of greater radial size than the molded shell  4  on which it is placed in order to create a built-in shock absorber system. The wagon  100  upon hitting an obstacle is capable of absorbing shocks by moving the closed metallic structure over the molded shell  4 . In one embodiment, a tolerance of up to 1 to 2 inches is contemplated. 
       FIG. 4  further illustrates the use of four wheels  9  attached to the base  6  on the corner struts  8 . In one preferred embodiment, the pivoting hitch  10  is also attached to the base  6 . While no detail is shown as to the method of fixation of the base  6  to the external surface  5 , the hitch  10  to the base  6 , or the wheels  9  to the base  6 , what is contemplated is any method of permanent and impermanent fixation of these elements, including but not limited to welding, polymer adhesion, bolting, clipping, notching, sliding, or any other method of fixation suitable to these elements. 
       FIG. 4  also shows the use of small circular recesses  11  made, when possible, in the external surface  5  to further relieve weight of the wagon  100 . While one type of recess  11  is shown and disclosed, what is contemplated is the use of any reasonable type of recess  11  or volume reduction technique to maintain the overall insulation capacity and mechanical strength of the molded shell  4  while alleviating the overall weight of the molded shell  4 . In yet another embodiment, the U-shaped channels are made of 10 gauge stainless steel.  FIG. 8  also shows one embodiment where the U-shaped channels are cut in the corners to limit the presence of sharp corners capable of damaging the feet of the operator  1  if the wagon  100  is suddenly rotated. 
     In one embodiment, the wagon  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-8  is made of a dual-surface, molded shell  4 .  FIG. 8  best illustrates the cuboid-shaped internal surface  12  defined functionally as having a first rectangular opening  13 , an external surface  5  having a second rectangular opening  14 , and a junction surface  15  connecting the first rectangular opening  13  to the second rectangular opening  14  to form an enclosed volume  10  made of two walls where insulation can be inserted between both walls. In one embodiment, the cuboid-shaped internal surface  12  is designed as an internal food storage enclosure where trays  101  are stacked and stored.  FIG. 5  best illustrates how food trays  101  may be stacked vertically from a flat floor surface  16  of the enclosed volume  10  to a flat top portion  17  of the enclosed volume  10 .  FIG. 8  shows a configuration where the trays  101  are stacked horizontally in two rows in width and three columns in length.  FIG. 8  illustrates how the internal surface  12  may be designed of such dimension to accommodate trays  101  efficiently and without waste of space. What is contemplated in a first preferred embodiment is the stacking of  102  X-TRAYS™ within the enclosed volume  10  without lids. What is also contemplated is the stacking of  132  ROCK TRAYS™ within the enclosed volume  10  without lids. While two possible stacking configurations are specifically disclosed, one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the use of any possible geometry and size of the enclosed volume  10  in coordination with food trays of varied sizes is contemplated in order to optimize the quantity of trays to be transported. While one possible dual-surfaced molded shell  4  is shown and disclosed as a cuboid-shaped or a rectangular volume, what is contemplated is the use of any thin-walled surface used as part of a shell and able to enclose insulation  102 . What is further contemplated is the use of ribs, surfaces, intermediate shells, support elements, beams, or any other mechanical structure within the molded shell  4  to create essentially an internal surface  12  and an external surface  5 .  FIG. 8  also shows that the junction surface  15  comprises a first groove  18  at a fixed distance from the first rectangular opening for holding a first panel  20 , and a second groove  19  at a fixed distance from first groove  18  for holding a second panel  21 . In one embodiment, the first groove  18  and the second groove  19  are located at the top and bottom portions of the junction surface  15  and connect with a top end  22  and a bottom end  23  of the panels  20 ,  21 . While only part of the junction surface  15  is shown with grooves, what is contemplated is the use of any geometry of grooves able to hold the panels  20 ,  21  in place in a similar fashion. The dual-surface, molded shell  4  may further include an insulating foam (not shown) in the enclosed volume in contact with the internal surface  12 . In one embodiment, the foam is a polyurethane foam made of a mixture of BASF® AUTOFROTH Resin and BASF AUTOFROTH® Isocyanate. In a preferred embodiment, the dual-surface, molded shell  4  is made of a blend of a flame-retardant, high-density polyethylene and a linear, low-density copolymer of 0.932 density having a melt index of 5. The molded shell  4  in a preferred embodiment is made of a custom compounded polyaxis copolymer consisting of halogenated bisphenol derivative, antinomy, and titanium oxyde. In yet another preferred embodiment, the flame-retardant, high-density polyethylene and the low-density copolymer are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
     What is also contemplated is the use of any internal insulation that allows for the greatest temperature difference between the internal surface  12  and the external surface  5  while controlling the overall weight of the wagon  100 , including but not limited to vacuum, air, gasses, liquids, solids, mousses, low-density plastics, powders, or any other suitable substitute. In one embodiment, the overall dimensions of the wagon  100  are approximately 32 inches wide by approximately 65 inches high and approximately 58 inches long. What is also contemplated is the use of a color code to distinguish between different generations of wagons  100  or between wagons with different protections, plating, or transportation capacities. In one embodiment, the color blue is used for a first model of wagon  100 , in another embodiment, the color gray is used. What is contemplated is s wagon  100  where the internal surface  12  is capable of storing both bulk foods and drinks. 
       FIG. 1  shows a wagon with a frame  6  having at least three wheels  6  connected to the external surface, and in one preferred embodiment shown as  FIG. 4 , four wheels  6  connected to the external surface. In one embodiment, the front wheels are heavy duty King Pinless wheels to prevent breakage. The first panel  20  is slidably connected in the first groove  18  for sliding from an open position to a closed position, and the second panel  21  is slidably connected in the second groove  19  for sliding from an open position to a closed position. The panels  20 ,  21  and the external surface  5  are shown with localized ridges and grooves designed to rigidify and thicken the midsections of the wagon  100 . These ridges can also serve alternatively to produce locally a handle, a support bar, or an edge to be used during manipulation of the panels  20 ,  21  and the wagon  100  for any purpose. It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of plastic molding and ribbing that different configurations are contemplated and disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the panels  20 ,  21  are removed by centering them in the center of the opening, then lifting the panel by about 1 inch and pulling the bottom section of the panels  20 ,  21  at an angle. A plenum of 3 inches below the inside portion of the roof is contemplated in one embodiment. 
     In one embodiment, the sliding movement of the first panel  20  within the first groove  18  requires an outside force to overcome the frictional force between the first groove  18  and the first panel. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that frictional forces are created by calculating and designing tolerances in thickness between the first panel  20  and the first groove  18  so that the available gap between the first groove  18  and the first panel  20  is sufficiently small to endure a controlled level of friction between both surfaces. While one method of creating friction by rubbing is disclosed and shown, other methods are also contemplated including the use of different surface finishes, small angular variations between two surfaces. Use of flexible or soft surfaces and the like are also contemplated. In another embodiment, the frictional force is a result of the contact of the top end  22  and the bottom end  23  of the panel with the first groove  18 . What is also contemplated is the use of a frictional force located between both panels  20 ,  21  as a result of a narrow gap between the first groove  18  and the second groove  19 . While two possible locations where friction occurs are disclosed, what is contemplated is any method of displacement of panels resulting in the friction of the panels  20 ,  21  within the first and second grooves  18 ,  19 . 
     In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the first panel  20  is held in the closed configuration shown as position  96  by the resistance of a first groove  26  after traveling over a step notch  92  from an initial open position  94  up the ramp  95  to the closed position. What is disclosed is a first panel  20  having a lock notch  26  at both a bottom end  23  and a top end  22  allowing the fist panel  20  to be used either upside up or downside up. What is also understood by one of ordinary skill in the art is the creation of a first panel  20  of smaller overall height than the first groove  18  to allow for lifting the first panel  20  during the intermediate step  95  up the step notch  92 . The difference in height between the first groove  18  and the first panel  20  also allows the first panel  20  to be inserted in the first groove  18  by lift-and-push. In one embodiment, the first panel  20  is at least 1 inch smaller than the opening in which the first panel  20  is placed. What is also contemplated is the use of the above described technology for the second panel  21  placed in the second groove  19 . What is also contemplated is the use of a lock plate  90  as shown on  FIG. 1  that is molded within the first or second panel  20 ,  21  and creates a protrusion that can be slid into a lock aperture  91  in the molded shell  4 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show perspective front views of the insulated food tray transportation wagon as shown on  FIG. 1  with food items located in the upper area with one panel partly opened  20  and with both panels  20 ,  21  closed, respectively. Three grooves defined as the third groove  25  are placed across the first groove  18  and the second groove  19  in order to define a bottom front drain. In one embodiment, the bottom end  23  of the first and second panels  20 ,  21  further include a lock tab  26  that blocks the third groove  25  in either the open or the closed position. This lock tab  26  allows for the retention of fluids inside of the enclosed volume  10  during storage and transportation stages when both panels  20 ,  21  are in the closed configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 . The third groove  25  may be made in the cuboid-shaped internal surface  12  and may include a floor surface  16  having at least the third groove, the third groove defining a bottom drain. In yet another embodiment, the first groove  18  and the second groove  19  each comprise a third groove  25  for further defining the bottom drain. In yet another embodiment, a small opening is made in the floor surface  16  within the internal surface  12  and the external surface  5  in order to define an internal drain (not shown). It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the internal drain (not shown) can be placed at any location, can be made part of the molding, or can be machined afterwards. What is contemplated in the present disclosure is any reasonable method of creating an internal drain, including but not limited to the use of an insert and a plug to control the flow of foods and liquids through the internal drain. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the insulated food tray transportation wagon as shown in  FIG. 1  where the external surface  5  comprises an upper area  28  for holding items as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . In one preferred embodiment, the upper area  28  is ribbed to hold either more trays, beverage servers, wash racks, food items, or other items  29 . In another embodiment, the ribs are designed to promote fluid evacuation by using height variations. In one embodiment, four lateral extrusions  30  for the lateral retention of the at least one food item  29  are placed on the external surface  5  within the area created by the four handles  2  to maintain access to the handles  2  if food items or other items  29  are placed on the upper area  28 . 
       FIG. 1  shows small ribs  32  placed on the upper area  28  in order to offer more stability to the food items in case of shocks during movement of the wagon  100 .  FIG. 1  also shows two storage zones  33 , each equipped with a drain notch  34  placed at each end of the wagon  100  on the upper area  28 . The use of grooves, notches, drains, and zones made within the external surface  5  in any variety of geometries reduces the weight of the wagon  100  and provides additional storage and grasping areas. In one embodiment, the upper area  28  comprises ridges that may be used to define a top drain (not shown) and guide liquids off the upper area  28 . In yet another embodiment, a bottom ridge  80  is placed on the under portion of the upper area  28  to facilitate manual grasping of the upper area  28 . 
     In another embodiment, the food tray transportation wagon  100  forms, in addition to a simple enclosed volume, also serves as an insulated transportation device for food trays where the first panel  20  serves as first insulated panel (also numbered  20  for simplicity), the second panel  21  serves as a second insulated panel (also numbered  21  for simplicity), where the insulated panels have a top thermal sealing end  32  located at the top end  22  and a bottom thermal sealing end  33  located at the bottom end  33 , and where the inside volume  10  is insulated from an exterior volume by a thermal barrier comprising the dual-surface, molded shell  4  filled with insulating foam (not shown), the first insulated panel  20  and the second insulated panel  21 , where the top sealing end  32  and the bottom sealing end  33  are thermally connected to the first groove  18  for the first insulated panel  20 , and the upper sealing end  32  and the lower sealing end  33  are thermally connected to the second groove  19  for the second insulated panel  21 . What is also disclosed is the use of two consecutive layers of thermal insulation consisting of insulated food trays  101  placed within an insulated wagon  100 . 
     The wagon  100  is also designed to withstand vertical loads to prevent permanent deformation if at least one large human stands on the top of the wagon  100 . Extensive resistance testing was conducted with the help of William Perry, a.k.a. the Refrigerator, as a sample human. In one preferred embodiment, blue and gray have been selected as available suitable exterior colors, but what is contemplated is the use of any color or color combination. In another embodiment, what is contemplated is the use of a steel hasp used in addition to the friction-based locking mechanism when long-term storage is contemplated. In one commercial embodiment, the wagon  100  has external dimensions of approximately 32 inches wide by approximately 58 inches long and approximately 65 inches high with an overall weight of approximately 215 pounds without trays. 
     It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that these elements and devices correspond to the general elements to be used to practice this disclosure. Other auxiliary elements may be used, but they do not affect the validity and completeness of this general concept of the disclosure. Persons of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that although the teachings of the disclosure have been illustrated in connection with certain embodiments, there is no intent to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, the intention of this application is to cover all modifications and embodiments falling fairly within the scope of the teachings of the disclosure.