WO 2015/010161 PCT/AU2014/000753 SHIPPING OR CARGO CONTAINERS AND INSERTS THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to the handling of bulk materials for shipping/transport purposes. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved shipping or cargo container for dry, bulk, free-flowing products such as grain (in particular) and ore. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Traditionally, grains are harvested at the source (such as a farm) by a farm header, combine harvester or similar harvesting machine. [0003] Once harvested by the harvesting machine, the grains are transferred by that machine to either an on-farm storage facility (such as a small mobile silo, storage hopper, underground bunker etc.) whilst awaiting transfer to a transport vehicle, or directly to a transport vehicle (e.g. a tip truck or rail wagon) for further transport to a bulk storage and grain-handling facility. [0004] Over the years, many farmers and grain producers have seen the advantages of storing and transporting wheat, rice and other food grains in standard ISO General Purpose (G.P.) shipping containers. [0005] This is due to many factors, such as efficiencies in handling, and the low initial investment cost of purchasing a container outright or, alternatively, economic rental rates. Storing and transporting grain in standard ISO G.P. shipping containers means that standard. container-handling equipment and container storage facilities (currently available at most transport, rail and shipping terminals) can be utilised. [0006.] This method of storage and transport offers many advantages for grain handling as it is a cleaner method of transfer, storage and transport. Once sealed, a food-grade ISO shipping container offers the advantages of being fully protected from contamination by insect pests or other vermin and, most importantly, sealed against moisture. [0007] Even if, during sampling, insect pests or other vermin are detected, the treatment of a single container-load of grain is much easier and more economical than fumigating a bulk stockpile. 1 WO 2015/010161 PCT/AU2014/000753 [0008] However, despite the advantages detailed above, a standard ISO shipping container can pose a number of problems when being loaded and unloaded with grain products. 100091 In order to facilitate loading of a standard ISO shipping container, the container may need to be placed into a mechanical device that raises one end of the container so that the container is substantially vertical. The end doors (atop the container when raised into that vertical position), when opened, are almost in a vertical position, thereby allowing the loading process to be completed. Once loading is complete, either a person or a locking device must close and lock the end doors, so that the container can then be returned to a horizontal position. The loaded container is then either stored at its current location or transported to an appropriate storage facility. [00010] An alternative loading process allows the container to remain in a horizontal position. The end (rear) doors are opened, and a false end wall is inserted where the doors would normally be. [00011] This inserted false wall extends upwards towards the roof (lid) of the container, but leaving a gap where the product is loaded into the container by a high speed conveyor system or similar. Once the container is full, the end (rear) doors are closed and the container is then sealed. [00012] For unloading a standard ISO container, the container would normally be transported to a grain storage and handling facility by road or rail truck, or other transport vehicle. The container would then be positioned over an underground hopper system, where the end (rear) doors would be opened. The product would still, at that stage, remain positioned within the container due to the presence of the false end wall. [00013] The false end wall would then be removed or would be slashed by a knife or similar apparatus to allow the product to start to flow out and into the hopper. The container would then be inverted to allow full discharge of the contents. [00014] Grain-handling containers: For many years, container manufacturers have offered alternative or modified ISO shipping containers, known as "Dry Bulk Containers", to be used or utilised by the grain and dry bulk industries. These "Dry Bulk Containers", whilst being adapted for use in the grain industry, still retain their suitablity for use as general-purpose ISO containers. 2 WO 2015/010161 PCT/AU2014/000753 [00015] These ISO "Dry Bulk Containers" have been fitted with a number of access hatches (e.g. round access hatches) in the top of the standard roof (lid) design to assist with loading via many different methods. The containers generally have traditional container doors at one end, and a different type of door system at the opposing end known as a "letter box" door or end hatch. [00016] The top (access) hatches (in the roof/lid of the container) allow an auger, chute or conveyor system to load the container whilst the container remains in a horizontal position, thus eliminating the need for use of a false wall system. This method of loading also eliminates the need to raise one end of the container, when loading. [00017] To unload the dry bulk container, the container is placed above a grid system or on top of an underground hopper where either the "letter box" style door is opened to allow the grain to flow out when one end of the container is raised, or the false end wall is removed. The grain is then transferred to a larger grain storage facility for processing, blending and/or further transport. [00018] Conveniently, standard ISO containers, which can be rotated by container handling apparatus (such as that described in International (PCT) Patent Specification No. PCT/AU2010/001337 - Owner: Australian Mobile Mining Mobile Mining Equipment Systems and Accessories Pty. Limited), are utilised, and offer many advantages for storage, transport and unloading of dry, bulk, free-flowing products. The containers are fitted with round, square or rectangular hatches in their top roof (lid), to allow for the discharge of grains and other products (the "Dry Bulk Option"). [00019] Unfortunately, during investigation and trials, it has become clear that the lid (roof) system of traditional ISO container designs, with or without the "Dry Bulk Option" (the hatches in the lid), does not suit the engineering requirements for up to 360 degree rotation. The lid structures do not have the strength to support the stress loads applied to the roof when the container is inverted. [00020] Also, with the flat roof (lid) design of current shipping containers, rotating the container would not allow the entire product to be discharged from the container, regardless of whether the containers are in standard 20-foot, 40-foot or other configuration. This results in wastage of product, inefficiencies and additional cost, as product residue will need to be removed from a container before it can be re-used for a new payload. 3 WO 2015/010161 PCT/AU2014/000753 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [00021 In a first aspect, the invention relates to an insert for a shipping or cargo container, being a plate having dimensions selected so as to fit into the shipping or cargo container and to extend across the interior of the container to thereby form a cover for a load within the container, and the plate having one or more funnel structure(s), each having an opening located substantially at its narrower end, through which the load can be funnelled out of the container to thereby unload the container [00022] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a shipping or cargo container having a plate extending across the interior of the container to thereby form a cover for a load within the container, wherein the plate has one or more funnel structure(s), each having an opening located substantially at its narrower end, through which the load can be funnelled out of the container to thereby unload the container. [00023] Preferably, the funnel structure(s) are tapering structure(s) extending substantially vertically (upwards or downwards) from the plane of the plate. More preferably, each funnel structure is frusto-pyramidal or frusto-conical in shape. [00024] In a preferred embodiment, there are multiple funnel structures, which are equally spaced along a centre-line of the insert / cover plate. [00025] There may, for example, be three funnel structures with corresponding openings. [000261 In a preferred embodiment, where the shipping or cargo container is intended for use with container-handling apparatus (such as that described in International (PCT) Patent Specification No. PCT/AU2010/001337 - Owner: Australian Mobile Mining Mobile Mining Equipment Systems and Accessories Pty. Limited), which rotates the container to thereby discharge its payload, the funnel structures) extend upwardly from the plane of the plate of the present invention (the term "upwardly" being defined with respect to the container being positioned with its base residing on a horizontal support surface). The funnel structure(s) will then extend downwardly from the plane of the plate when the container is rotated (inverted) by the container-handling apparatus (the term "downwardly" being defined with respect to the container in its inverted position). 4 WO 2015/010161 PCT/AU2014/000753 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is an isometric view from above of a container having an insert according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view from below of the container and insert of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of the container and insert of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a front view of the container and insert of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an end view of the container and insert of Figure 1; Figure 6 is an isometric view from above of an insert according to the present invention; Figure 7 is an isometric view from below of the insert of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a top view of the insert of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a front view of the insert of Figure 6; and Figure 10 is an end view of the insert of Figure 6. In Figures 1 to 5, the outline of the container is indicated in broken lines, so that the appearance of the insert (which would otherwise be at least partially obscured within the container) is apparent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION [00028] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts, Dimensions of certain of the parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration. [00029] Turning now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 a shipping or cargo container having an insert according to the present invention. Figures 6 to 10 illustrate the insert according to the present invention. 5 WO 2015/010161 PCT/AU2014/000753 [00030] The insert 10 has been designed to be fitted into either a new container during the manufacturing process, or it can be supplied in kit form to be fitted into existing, standard ISO containers. 1000311 The shipping or cargo container 11 will be formed from suitably robust materials, and preferably is fabricated from welded steel., suitably of around 3mm in thickness. [00032] The insert 10 of the present invention is formed from strong metallic material (e.g. steel), plastic, fibreglass or other suitable material, and may conveniently be formed from the same or similar metallic material to that used to manufacture the container I. It is therefore suitable for implementation in any country that has access to basic steel manufacturing facilities. [00033] This will allow the current glut of surplus ISO shipping containers around the world to be economically converted to grain storage and handling containers that can offer clean, reliable and vermin-proof storage of food-grade products. The converted containers are still able to be unloaded by rotating the container up to 360 degrees, for unloading into hopper systems or directly into bulk grain ships. [00034] Rotation of the container 11 can be via any appropriate lifting device, such as ship-to-shore cranes, mobile harbour cranes, ships' cranes, mobile hydraulic or jib cranes and reach stackers fitted with a container rotation apparatus. For example, the container handling apparatus described in International (PCT) Patent Specification No. PCT/AU2010/001337 (Owner: Australian Mobile Mining Mobile Mining Equipment Systems and Accessories Pty. Limited) can be used. [00035] Conversion of existing containers: To fit the insert 10 of the present invention into a standard or dry bulk ISO container 11 requires the fitting of a support member 17 to the internal perimeter of the ISO container. [000361 The container 11 will have a top roof (or lid) 12. The roof 12 is preferably integral with the structure of the container. However, the insert of the present invention may also be used in relation to containers where a removable lid is substituted for the top roof 12. 6 WO 2015/010161 PCT/AU2014/000753 [000371 For example, the insert 1.0 may be fitted into a traditional ISO style container 11 (eig. an ISO 20-foot container or an ISO 40-foot container), or may be fitted on an open top or half-height container (such as the bulk ore ROTORCON container of International (PCT) Patent Specification No. PCT/AU2012/000498 - Owner: Australian Mobile Mining Mobile Mining Equipment Systems and Accessories Pty. Limited) to augment the traditional lid system. [000381 The support member 17 for the insert 10 can, for example, be a support brace, channel, angle iron or a specially formed member that can be fitted in the upper part of the container, in proximity to the underside of the top roof (lid) 12 of the container (for example, approximately 500mm below the underside of the container top roof 12). It is preferably manufactured from strong metallic material (e.g. steel), and may conveniently be formed from the same or similar metallic material to that used to manufacture the container 11 and/or insert 10. The support member may, for example, have a number of slots or holes to allow the insert 10 of the present invention (once positioned) to be easily fixed to the support member. [00039] In a preferred embodiment, support members will be fitted on the rear end wall and both sides of the container 11 to form a base to support the insert 10 of the present invention. [00040] The inserts 10 will have appropriate dimensions to fit standard ISO containers 11 The insert's perimeter (as shown in Figures 6 and 8, in particular) is engineered to fit the corrugations -in the walls of a standard ISO container. The perimeter shape will however be modified, depending on the wall shape and dimensions of the particular container into which the insert 10 is to be fitted. [00041] In a preferred embodiment, the insert 10 will be a rectangular plate of appropriate size (e.g. approximately 5600mm by 2200mm), and will have several large openings 13 of suitable shape (e.g. round, square or rectangular). In a preferred embodiment, the insert 10 has three large openings 13 (round, square or rectangular) equally spaced down its centre-line (which will also be the centre-line of the container, once the insert is fitted into the container). These openings allow for easy discharge and flow of the contents (the load). [00042] Also, a vent can be added to the container, to allow ventilation throughout the container so that air can flow into the void to further assist the flow rate of the material, 7 WO 2015/010161 PCT/AU2014/000753 [00043] The insert will, for example, be specially pressed or fabricated to form upwardly tapering structure(s) 14, each surmounted by an opening 13, thus forming a funnel system which effectively allows the container contents (the load) to freely flow towards each of the openings 13 when the container 11 is inverted. In a preferred embodiment, there will be hatches 15 in the roof of the container, or a container lid with hatches 15 will be used, and those hatches 15 will have a locking mechanism to enable them to be secured when not required to be open (e.g. for discharge of the payload from the container). The openings 13 of the insert 10 will align with and/or connect to the hatches 15 of the container roof (lid) 12. [00044] The insert 1.0 will also act as a false roof/lid to provide the engineering strength required during the rotation process, regardless of whether the container 11 is rotated through (for example) 180 degrees or 360 degrees. [00045] The insert 10 may, for example, have an upturned flap 16 at one end. The insert 10 will be located within the container 11 with the flap 16 adjoining that end of the container that has the traditional container doors. When the container end doors are open, the flap 16 will form a false wall, blocking part of the gap (i.e. the open end of the container). When the container 11 is inverted for unloading of the payload, the flap 16 will assist with funnelling the payload (product) through the openings 13 of the insert 10, out of the container and into a storage facility (storage hopper, cargo hold of a ship etc.), [00046] In a preferred embodiment, a solid ring will surround each opening 13 in the insert 10. This solid ring allows for the fitting (and sealing to the insert 10) of flexible tubes or bellows that will facilitate the connection between each of the insert's openings 13 and a hatch 15 correspondingly located in the container roof or lid 12. These flexible tubes or bellows can either be fitted, as a standard feature, in the dry bulk container, or are fitted during the conversion of a standard ISO container to include an insert 10 according to the present invention. [00047] When the container 10 is inverted by container-handling apparatus, for discharge of its payload, and the container has a removable lid 12, that removable lid may be removed by the lid-lifting and lid-latching mechanism of the container-handling apparatus. Alternatively, if the container roof or lid 1.2 has hatches 1.5, those hatches will be aligned with and/or connected to corresponding openings 13 of the insert 10, and there will be no need to remove the container lid 12. Instead, the hatches 15 will be opened to allow discharge of the container's payload. 8 WO 2015/010161 PCT/AU2014/000753 [000481 Once the insert 10 of the present invention is fitted into position inside the container 1, it is held firmly in position (e.g. with bolts through holes in the support members that have previously been fitted to the container's end and side walls). 1000491 In a preferred embodiment, the end of the container that has the traditional container doors will include a flexible sealing member to prevent product from becoming lodged in this area when the container is being rotated. [00050] Once the load has been discharged, the traditional rear container doors can be opened for inspection and cleaning (if required). [000511 The insert 10 can remain in the container 11 so that the container can be re-used as a general purpose (G.P.) shipping container or for dry bulk materials (grain, ore etc.). Alternatively, the insert can be easily removed, stored and fitted into other container (or re-fitted into the same container) at a later date. Suitable internal support members can, for example, be bolted or welded to the inside of ISO containers. [00052] A lid 12 for the container, and the insert 10, will both form closure means for an otherwise open-top or half-height container 1L They reduce the risk of accumulation of dust, water, spillage, waste material etc. in the container. [00053] They also enable the payload to be completely covered until positioned above a storage hopper, above a conveyor transfer system or within the hold of the ship (or other unloading destination), where the container 11 is inverted and the roof (lid) hatches 15 are opened (to allow discharge of the payload), thereby minimising dust problems. [00054] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be appreciated that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. [00055] For example, while the container and insert have primarily been described in relation to their use in the grain industry, they can also be used in the handling and transport of other dry, bulk, free-flowing products (such as ore). 9