WO2007088388A1

WO2007088388A1 - System and method for the transport of liquids or free flowing solids and container

Info

Publication number: WO2007088388A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/000377
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tony Black; Steve Mcaleavy; Mike Brimson; Andrew Fulcher; George Mcfarlin
Original assignee: Storsack Dorton Limited; Goodpac Inc; Ezidock Systems Limited
Priority date: 2006-02-03
Filing date: 2007-02-05
Publication date: 2007-08-09
Also published as: WO2007088388B1; GB0602189D0

Abstract

A transport system for transporting liquids or free flowing solids, particularly in frozen or semi-frozen form is provided. The transport system comprises an outer flexible web (1), having side walls and a base, and defining a void for receiving a plurality of transportation containers (4, 5), the two or more transportation containers having dimensions chosen individually so that all the transportation containers are received within the void, and wherein each transportation container is formed of a composite web comprising at least an inner barrier layer (11, 12) and an outer protective layer (9, 10) and including inlet and outlet apertures (13, 14), wherein the inner layer is formed from a flexible web and the outer layer formed from a flexible web, the inner and outer layers being joined to one another at least in the region surrounding the inlet and outlet apertures.

Description

CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a bulk transport container. In particular, this invention relates to a container which is particularly well suited to the transportation of liquids in a frozen or semi-frozen state. Liquid or semi-liquid fluids which are particularly suitable for transportation in the container of the present invention are food products and beverages. The invention could also be used for medicaments and other materials. The bulk container of the present invention can also be used to transport free flowing solids and powders. Traditionally, foodstuffs and beverages which are either liquid, semi-liquid or in free flowing powder form are transported using metal drums. It is not economic to recover and repatriate the drums and invariably the drums are used as single-trip containers. This represents an expense and also a problem in terms of recycling the empty container. Drums of this type are often damaged during opening and thus are incapable of reuse. It is also known to transport liquids in bulk by pallet-based containers of the type complying with international standards as regards scantlings and securement points, whereby such containers can be moved by road, rail and ship.

This invention relates generally to packaging for shipping and storing bulk quantities of product. In particular, the invention relates to a packaging system for shipping, storing and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid fluids, and more specifically to a corrugated container and supported transportation system which is easy to assemble and to use. The user is easily able to assemble the system with minimal effort. The flexible liquid container of the present invention can be used with outer containers of known type which are constructed to be easily collapsed and transported. Conventional containers for use in shipping, storing and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid fluids often consist of either "bottle and cage" arrangements, or composite corrugated containers. The "bottle and cage" arrangements comprise a semi-rigid plastic bottle that is supported within a wire-bound exterior skeleton. This configuration requires the end user to utilize significant warehouse space to store the spent container until it can be returned to a distributor to be cleaned and reconditioned for reuse. The known composite corrugated containers are intended for one-time use, and support a flexible interior bag. These containers require an initial user to assemble the container as well as an assortment of fitments that include a corrugated cassette that holds the bag and positions it for filling, and a corrugated cap that is assembled and placed on top of the container subsequent to filling. The addition of steel supporting structures which are external to an inner plastic container goes against the corrosion-resistant advantage of a container which is made purely of plastic material. In addition, the external metal containers have a tendency to move relative to the inner liquid container when handled and transported. This increases the risk of damage to the inner liquid container during transportation due to possible abrasion with corroded parts of the outer metal container or parts of the container that have been damaged during handling. These corroded or damaged parts may pierce the liner separating the liquid container from the metal outer container.

Another problem is that the initial user often must then attach the assembled corrugated composite container to a wooden pallet that is used as a base for the container. Attaching the pallet usually requires heavy-duty plastic straps that wrap around both the pallet and the container to hold them together. These parts all require the handler to inventory and keep track of the various components. There is also the problem of having to provide the manpower and space necessary to assemble them.

Another problem with container-within-a-container systems is the cost. Such systems significantly increase the cost of production over single containers. They are also heavy relative to a single container.

Therefore, there is a need for a transportable, reusable, robust, non-corrosive, flexible, transport system which can be easily transported and recycled after final use. It is also desirable that such a system can be used with conventional container and pallet systems.

A need therefore exists for an affordable, functional bulk container for liquids and semi-liquid fluids or free flowing powders and solids, that can be easily assembled as a ready to fill unit at point of use, easily filled, and that can be easily collapsed for disposal or recycling. The present invention overcomes disadvantages associated with prior art arrangements. The present invention satisfies some or all of the above requirements and provides an economical transportation system that can be purchased as a fully assembled, ready to fill unit for shipping, storing and dispensing liquids or semi-liquid fluids, that can be filled using an automated tote or drum filling station, and that can be easily collapsed and disposed of by an end user after use.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a bulk transport system for transporting liquids or free flowing solid the transport system comprising: an outer flexible web of substantially cuboidal shape having side walls and a base and defining a void for receiving a plurality of containers; two or more transportation containers having dimensions chosen individually so that all the transportation containers may be received within the void; and wherein each transportation container is optionally releasably secured to the inside of a wall of the outer flexible web and/or another transportation container also present within the void; and wherein each transportation container is formed of a composite web comprising at least an inner barrier layer and an outer protective layer and including inlet and outlet apertures, wherein the inner layer is formed from a flexible polyolefin web and the outer layer formed from a flexible woven polyolefin web, the inner and outer layers being joined to one another at least in the region surrounding the inlet and outlet apertures.

In an embodiment, there is a further void between the transportation containers located within the void defined by the outer flexible web. In some applications of the invention, there is no need for a further void whilst in other applications it is desirable to have a further void to allow uniform cooling of the contents. In one embodiment, there is a further void present. This further void may receive a cooling probe directly or it may instead receive a removable metal tube or core. The metal tube in the further void allows all of the centre of the contents in the void in the outer web to freeze uniformly when subjected to 'blast freezing¹. After this freezing process the metal central core is removed and used on the next container. The present invention solves the problem of providing a costly transportation system by providing a container which can be transported to the point of origin, filled and then be easily handled and emptied at the destination. It is also cheap and easy to dispose of after use. One advantage of the bulk containers of the present invention is that they are capable of being flat-packed and thus easily transported to the point of origin of the material to be transported. A further advantage of the container of the present invention is that it is easy to handle and fill by an operator. Frequently, operators are unskilled or semi-skilled and a convenient and simple system presents a major advantage in handling. The container itself is lightweight and thus does not present an additional burden during transit or at the point of end use and recycling.

Traditionally, containers of this type are filled aseptically with the liquid or solid to be transported. One particular advantage of the present invention is that in the case of liquids it enables the container to be filled with liquid which is then frozen or semi-frozen without the need for filling to be performed aseptically. This filling and cooling or freezing process kills some or all of the bacteria and / or other organisms present and prevents further bacterial growth in the liquid. This means that it is not necessary to ensure aseptic filling at the point of origin which represents a major advantage in terms of handling and costs. In an embodiment, the void defined by the outer flexible web includes at least two pouches which are permanently fastened to the inside of one or more walls of the flexible web and each of which is configured to receive a transportation container. These pouches serve to separate the transportation containers from one another when placed within the outer flexible web. In this embodiment, the pouches may be configured so as to leave a further void within the void defined by the outer flexible web. This void when present can receive a probe for freezing or cooling the liquid or material to be transported.

In an embodiment, the whole of or a part of the base of the outer flexible web is provided in the form of one or more closeable portions each of which is individually releasably secured in a closed position. In this embodiment, access to the void defined by the outer web is possible by opening a part of or all of the base. The contents of the void in the web can thus be discharged through the base. In a preferred embodiment, the web includes a number of pouches and each pouch is associated with its own releasable closure. This enables the contents of each pouch to be discharged separately.

Alternatively, the web need not include pouches but the base is still provided with one or more closeable portions each of which is individually releasably secured in a closed position.

For example, this allows the contents to drop out of the bottom in the transport sack as a frozen or semi-frozen block from the outer flexible web which has, in this case, permanent stitched in pouches.

Any conventional closure means could be used. In one embodiment, eyelets are provided in the polypropylene web of each of the various arrangements of the invention. The eyelets allow the flaps which form the opening part of the base to be secured to each other and or to the walls of the outer web. Equally, other means of fastening could be used provided that they are strong enough to hold the base in place when the container is lifted to be loaded and unloaded. Whilst it is expected that the incorporation of eyelets would be problematical, since polypropylene may be prone to tearing because of disruption of the web once a hole has been formed for an eyelet, we have found that a web with eyelets can be produced. The weight of material is important in forming a suitable web.

The bulk transportation system of the present invention is intended to be used in conjunction with known pallet-based transportation systems. These systems usually use an outer rigid container such as a metal or wooden crate which may have solid sides or sides based on a latticework arrangement. The bulk transportation system of the invention is placed within the rigid outer container for transportation.

Thus according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided, an integrated bulk transportation system comprising an outer rigid container and the bulk transportation system, the transport system comprising: an outer flexible web of substantially cuboidal shape having side walls and a base and defining a void for receiving a plurality of containers; two or more transportation containers having dimensions chosen individually so that all the transportation containers may be received within the void; and wherein each transportation container is optionally releasably secured to the inside of a wall of the outer flexible web and/or another transportation container also present within the void; and wherein each transportation container is formed of a composite web comprising at least an inner barrier layer and an outer protective layer and including inlet and outlet apertures, wherein the inner layer is formed from a flexible polyolefin web and the outer layer formed from a flexible woven polyolefin web, the inner and outer layers being joined to one another at least in the region surrounding the inlet and outlet apertures.

The outer flexible web of the present invention is used in conjunction with complementary transportation containers which are used to contain the material to be transported. The transportation containers are designed so that an exact number may fit within the outer flexible web. Thus, the number of containers that may be placed within the outer flexible web is governed simply by convenience and the economic use of the space available for shipping. Ideally, it is desirable to maximise the usage of space within the void. Typically, they number of transportation containers used will range from 2 to 10, with 3 to 6 being preferred, and 4 being most preferred.

The inner barrier layer of the transportation container may be but need not be aseptic. The inner layer can be polypropylene and can optionally include a metallised film and or additional layers as necessary. The inner layer is chosen having regard to the nature of the liquid to be transported.

In an embodiment, the transportation container includes fastening means to allow the container to be at least releasably secured to the inside of a wall of the outer flexible web and/or another transportation container also present within the void. In an embodiment, the transportation container includes attachment means to allow the container to be lifted individually from the transport system.

In use, the outer flexible web is dropped into the rigid container in which it is to be transported. The tops of one or more of the side walls of the outer flexible web are tied to suitable fixing points at or near the top of the walls of the rigid container. The base of the flexible web is allowed to drop inside the rigid container so that it touches the base of the rigid container. In one embodiment, the required number of corresponding transportation containers are then introduced directly into the void defined by the protective web. In the embodiment in which pouches are provided within the void, it is preferable that one transportation container is placed within each pouch. In another embodiment, the transportation containers are already present within the void defined by the walls of the outer protective flexible web before it is introduced into the rigid container so that they are in position as the outer protective flexible web opens out when it is dropped within and secured to the rigid container. Each transportation container includes an aperture through which it can be filled and an and associated closure means. Usually, the aperture for filling the transportation container is present at the top of the container.

Each transportation container is then filled with liquid from a dispensing head via an aperture which is then closed once the transportation container is full. A cooling probe can then be introduced if desired into the void which is optionally present between the filled transportation containers. This can take place regardless of whether or not the transportation containers are separated from one another by means of pouches or are simply adjacent within the void, and a cooling medium can then be introduced. The liquid in the transportation containers is then brought into a frozen or semi-frozen state.

The whole transportation system is maintained during transit at a low temperature in order to preserve the frozen or semi-frozen state of the liquid being transported. At the destination the transportation containers are lifted out either individually or in groups for processing to release the frozen or semi-frozen material. Equally, the material contained within the transportation container need not be frozen for the purposes of transportation and/or may be thawed prior to removal from the transportation system.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided, a transportation container for use with a transportation system, the transportation container being formed of a composite web comprising at least an inner barrier layer and an outer protective layer and including inlet and outlet apertures, wherein the inner layer is formed from a flexible polyolefin web and the outer layer formed from a flexible woven polyolefin web, the inner and outer layers being joined to one another at least in the region surrounding the inlet and outlet apertures, and wherein the transportation container includes fastening means to allow the container to be at least releasably secured to the inside of a wall of the outer flexible web and/or another transportation container also present within the void.

One advantage of the outer flexible web and the corresponding transportation containers is that they may be transported flat-packed to the point of use. The outer flexible web may be placed in the rigid container and at this stage may or may not also contain the transportation containers ready for use. The system of the present invention provides better space usage than drums and is easier to transport than loose drums. It is easier to freeze and easier to store because the container system can be placed on pallets and stacked.

The present invention thus relates to a transportation container which is formed of a composite polyolefin material. The transportation container includes a fibre or fabric web which serves as a protective outer cover and which is wrapped around and encloses an inner liquid bladder. The outer cover is sufficiently strong in its own right to support the liquid contents of the transportation container even when unsupported by any framework. The inlet aperture is of known construction and may contain a valve and cap.

As used herein, the term fabric means a web of woven material such as a web formed from woven polypropylene fibre. Similarly, a fibre web refers to a web woven from synthetic fibres.

In an embodiment, the transportation container is generally substantially cuboidal or cylindrical. Preferably it is cubiodal.

In an embodiment, the outer rigid container is substantially cuboid. In another embodiment, the transportation container is adapted so that the inner liquid bladder automatically unfolds as the transportation container is filled with liquid. In this embodiment the transportation container is of a generally rectangular shape and is usually in the form of a cuboid. The outer protective layer is provided with one or more tabs on one of the top edges of the transportation container. In this context, the top edges are those edges which bound the upper face of the transportation container which is not supported or covered by the outer flexible layer or the rigid container when the transport system is in use. In this embodiment, the inlet aperture is provided in the top face of the transportation container and is preferably positioned so that it is close to the top edge containing the or each tab.

The or each tab present in the top edge of the transportation container are fastened to and pass through the outer protective layer and are fastened to the inner barrier layer. The or each tab thus serves to secure a part of the outer surface of the inner barrier layer to a corresponding adjacent part of the inner surface of the outer protective layer in the vicinity of a top edge of the transportation container. These tabs are referred to as upper tabs.

The or each tab may be fastened by chemical and or physical means to the outer and inner layers. The means of fastening is preferably by thermobonding or using adhesive.

One or more corresponding tabs are also provided on the corresponding bottom edge of the transportation container which forms a rectangle with the top edge.

The aperture may be provided in the top face of the transportation container or may be provided in the side face of the transportation container. Preferably the aperture is positioned so that it is in the top face and close to the top edge or in the side face and close to the bottom edge.

An advantageous feature of the transportation container of this embodiment is the fact that the liquid bladder which is formed by the inner layer is able to automatically unfold within the outer layer as the transportation container is being filled. Another benefit of the auto filling of this embodiment is that it avoids the problem of inexperienced operators who typically handle and pack bulk liquid containers. In a traditional system if the container is not accurately sited there is the risk of pinching or trapping parts of the sides of the flexible container which can lead to leakage. The automatic unfolding of the bladder is achieved without any folding or trapping of the inner layer occurring during the filling operation. This is achieved due to the relative position of the upper tabs. Similarly, the pattern of folding of the inner layer which forms the liquid vessel when it is installed in the outer protective cover during manufacture is also important in facilitating automatic opening. In an embodiment, the inlet aperture is circular. In an embodiment, the inner layer is formed of polyethylene. Preferably the inner layer is aseptic.

The outer layer comprises from 40 to 70% by weight of the transportation container, and more preferably it comprises from 45 to 55% by weight, and more preferably is about 50% by weight.

In an embodiment, the inner layer may be formed of a laminate comprising two or more layers of plastics material, with one layer being formed of a polyolefin. Preferably the at least one layer of polyolefin is formed of polypropylene.

In an embodiment, the outer rigid container is made of metal. In an embodiment, the outer rigid container may be made of sheet material or may be in the form of a mesh. Preferably it is in the form of sheet material.

The use of multi-layer co-extrusion for constructing the inner layer of the transportation container allows several individual material layers to be extruded together into a single laminated film so as to provide an inner layer with the desired mix of properties. For example, such a film can be designed to allow a controlled level of oxygen permeation or be impermeable to oxygen. Suitable oxygen barrier layer are constructed of materials such as ethylene vinyl alcohol.

It may also be desirable to include a barrier layer which is moisture resistant to protect against moisture sensitive liquids. Thus, one or more moisture barrier layers can be included, on one side or on each side of the oxygen barrier layer. It may also be desirable to comprise into the laminate forming the inner layer, one or more layers of material which have low permeability to flavours and/or fragrances.

In an embodiment, the outer layer is formed of polypropylene. The outer layer may also be a laminate of two or more layers, with at least one being a woven layer. The present invention provides an improved protective covering i.e the outer protective layer for a flexible bladder for transporting liquids, including foodstuffs. The transportation container of the present invention provides protection against accidental puncture and damage and provides a number of advantages. The protective outer cover is strong and resistant to tearing. The protective cover also provides a barrier to the ingress of dirt and moisture and it does not lose strength on contact with water. The protective cover is able to provide protection against impacts sustained during handling, transportation and storage. It is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture, and ideally can also be re-used a number of times. After it has been used the component materials can easily be recycled or be separated from one another as necessary and then recycled.

It is intended that the product be as environmentally friendly as possible in the sense that it is intended to be reused so preventing disposable single trip waste packaging and avoiding UK packaging waste levies after its first trip. Even when damaged it is made from recyclable materials and thus and will be recyclable, whereas the current methods of packaging have plastic and cardboard mixtures and may contain other components so they are not easily recyclable.

The protective outer layer of the present invention may be constructed of a single web of fibre. Alternatively, the outer layer may be formed of more than one fibre web fastened together by seams, by adhesive or by thermobonding.

In one embodiment, the plastics material forming the outer layer may be retained in contact with the corresponding region forming the inner layer by folding over a portion of the fibre web of the two layers to form a seam. These overlapping folded portions forming the seam may be glued, stitched or thermobonded to one another.

In another embodiment, the outer protective layer and inner barrier layer may be joined directly to one another or which may be joined to one another via another web of material.

In an embodiment, seams which are effective to join the inner and outer layers of the liquid vessel define fold lines. The seams separate different regions of the outer surface of the inner barrier layer of the liquid vessel from one another. The seams may be arranged so as^" to provide tension in the inner and/or outer layer. This assists folding and opening out of the transportation container. Hence the seams may be arranged in a manner to allow automatic or at least assisted 'opening-out' of the container when the container is laid flat and/or when it is introduced into the supporting metal outer container.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer protective layer of the liquid container includes a second layer of plastics material. This may be woven or non- woven. Preferably the second layer of plastics material is polypropylene. Thus the outer layer may also be a laminate of two or more layers, with at least one being a woven layer. In another embodiment, the outer layer is formed from woven synthetic fibre.

Preferably the outer layer is formed from woven polypropylene. The web of fibre or fabric is made of a flexible material, preferably a polymer. Ideally, the polymer is a polyolefin and is preferably polypropylene or polyethylene. The polymeric material is woven into a web from polymeric fibres. Ideally, the web is coated both sides with a waterproof coating to render it impervious to water and also to enhance the resistance to the ingress of dirt and other materials. Polypropylene has the advantage that it sufficiently strong to withstand the tensile forces that will occur when the vessel is loaded and/or lifted. At the same time, the fabric should be sufficiently flexible so as to adopt the required shape but also be capable of being folded. Polypropylene is ideal for this. The outer layer or layers can be coated on one or both sides. Ideally, it is coated at least on the outside for ease of cleaning. In an alternative embodiment, and particularly when producing an automatic opening liquid container, the coating is on the inside of the outer protective layer. This reduces friction as the inner barrier layer unfolds during filling. The weight of the outer layer is preferably in the range 100 to 300 gm^"2, and more preferably in the range 160 to 240 gm^'2 because this provides the best compromise between folding ability and durability. Generally, the coating will account for a further 20 to 35 gm^"2 of the weight of the web. The coating is preferably a polypropylene coating. In one embodiment where the container is not an automatic filling container, the advantage of coating the outer material on both sides is, on the one hand, that it leads to better bonding of the protective outer layer to the inner liquid container and, on the other hand, it means that the outer surface of the outer protective layer is easier to clean and does not retain dirt in the fabric weave.

The coating is applied to the woven fabric by melting the material forming the coating, usually polypropylene, and feeding the molten material through a die in semi- molten form. The coating is then brought in sheet form into the locality of the fibre web and passed through a series of chilled rollers and tensioned in accordance with procedures well known in the art. The provision of a coating on both sides may be achieved in a two stage process or may be achieved in a single process.

In another embodiment, the fibre or fabric web is provided with one or more handles or loops to facilitate lifting and handling of the liquid container. In another embodiment, the outer layer may incorporate a region which is adapted to carry identification marks relating to the goods such as the nature and weight of the goods, safety information and handling instructions.

The outer flexible web may be formed of the same materials as the outer protective layer is. In any transportation system the actual materials used for the outer flexible web and the outer layer may be the same or they may be different. Preferably they are the same materials and more preferably they are both formed of formed of polypropylene.

The transportation container is compatible with known filling systems in terms of the position of the inlet aperture. Hence it can be filled by automatic filling apparatus.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a transport system according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a top view of the transport system of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a transport system according to the invention.

In the Figures like numerals denote like parts.

In Figure 1, outer protective flexible web 1 is placed inside rigid metal container 2 and secured thereto by straps 3. Transport containers 4 and 5 are placed within outer container 1 and are releasably secured to outer container 1 by releasable fastening means 6 and 7, respectively, which in the embodiment shown are Velcro™ fastenings. Other fastenings could be used however. In this embodiment transportation containers 4 and 5 are also fastened to one another by means of releasable fastening 8. In this embodiment, fastening 8 is also a Velcro™ fastening; other releasable fastenings could however be used.

Transportation containers 4 and 5 each are in the form of an outer protective layer 9 and 10, respectively, which encapsulates an inner barrier layer 11 and 12, respectively. Apertures 13 and 14, respectively, are provided in each of transportation containers 4 and 5 and are associated with closeable lids 15 and 16, respectively. Transportation containers 4 and 5 also include lifting loops 17 and 18, respectively, to enable them to be lifted individually from within the outer flexible protective container 1. Outer flexible protective container 1 remains in place when the lifting of a filled transportation container takes place because on the one hand of the weight of other transportation containers remaining within the outer container and on the other hand because of straps 3 which secure the outer protective container 1 in place and on account of its own weight. When lifting a transportation container from outer protective container 1 the releasable fastenings are easily undone. Probe 19 may be inserted into the space between the transportation containers for the purpose of cooling the liquid or other material present in each of the transportation containers.

Figure 2 shows the spatial arrangement of the transportation containers 4 and 5 relative to the probe 19 and to the remaining transportation containers 20 and 21. Probe 19 fits within void 22 which is provided by ensuring that the total volumes occupied by transportation containers 4, 5, 20 and 21 does not occupy the entire volume available within outer protective container 1.

The transportation containers may all be of the same size or may be of different sizes. Equally, the transportation containers may all be of the same shape or may be of different shapes.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 it is deliberately intended to leave a void 22 for insertion of a cooling probe 19. However, if it was desirable to maximise the amount of material contained within the outer protective container 1 and it is not necessary to transport material in a cooled or frozen state then the transportation containers could be sized so as to fill all of the available space within outer protective flexible container 1.

In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 3, pouches 23, 24, 25 and 26 form part of outer protective container 1 and serve to separate transportation containers 4, 5, 20 and 21 from one another. In this embodiment, each transportation container is retained within its respective pouch by a releasable fastening 27, 28, 29 and 30, respectively.

Claims

1 , A transport system for transporting liquids or free flowing solids, the transport system comprising: an outer flexible web, having side walls and a base, and defining a void for receiving a plurality of containers; two or more transportation containers having dimensions chosen individually so that all the transportation containers may be received within the void; and wherein each transportation container is formed of a composite web comprising at least an inner barrier layer and an outer protective layer and including inlet and outlet apertures, wherein the inner layer is formed from a flexible web and the outer layer formed from a flexible web, the inner and outer layers being joined to one another at least in the region surrounding the inlet and outlet apertures.

2. A transport system in which the outer flexible web is of substantially cuboidal shape.

3. A transport system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each transportation container is releasably secured to the inside of a wall of the outer flexible web and/or another transportation container also present within the void.

4. A transport system according to any preceding claim in which the inner layer is formed from a flexible polyolefin web and the outer layer formed from a flexible woven polyolefin web.

5. A transport system according to any preceding claim in which a further void is provided between the transportation containers located within the void defined by the outer flexible web.

6. A transport system according to claim 5 in which the further void receives a cooling probe directly or receives a removable metal tube or core.

7. A transport system according to any preceding claim in which the transport system is flat-packed before use and/or after use.

8. A transport system according to any preceding claim in which the whole of, or a part of, the base of the outer flexible web is provided with one or more closeable portions each of which is individually releasably secured in a closed position.

9. A transport system according to any preceding claim in which the void defined by the outer flexible web includes at least two pouches which are fastened to the inside of one or more walls of the flexible web, each pouch being configured to receive a transportation container.

10. A transport system according to any claim 9 in which each pouch is provided with its own releasable closure.

11. A transport system according to any preceding claim in which the pouches separate the transportation containers from one another when placed within the outer flexible web.

12. A transport system according to any preceding claim in which the transportation container includes attachment means to allow the container to be lifted individually from the transport system.

13. A transport system according to any preceding claim in which the transportation container automatically unfolds as the transportation container is filled with liquid.

14. A transportation system comprising an outer rigid container and a transport system, the transport system comprising: an outer flexible web of having side walls and a base and defining a void for receiving a plurality of containers; two or more transportation containers having dimensions chosen individually so that all the transportation containers may be received within the void; and wherein each transportation container is formed of a composite web comprising at least an inner barrier layer and an outer protective layer and including inlet and outlet apertures, wherein the inner layer is formed from a flexible web and the outer layer formed from a flexible web, the inner and outer layers being joined to one another at least in the region surrounding the inlet and outlet apertures.

15. A transportation system according to claim 14 in which the outer rigid container is a metal or wooden crate which has solid sides or sides formed from a latticework arrangement.

16. A method of transporting a liquid or free flowing solid, the method comprising: providing a transportation system comprising an outer rigid container and a transport system, the transport system comprising: an outer flexible web of having side walls and a base and defining a void for receiving a plurality of containers, and further comprising two or more transportation containers having dimensions chosen individually so that all the transportation containers may be received within the void and wherein each transportation container is formed of a composite web comprising at least an inner barrier layer and an outer protective layer and including inlet and outlet apertures, wherein the inner layer is formed from a flexible web and the outer layer formed from a flexible web, the inner and outer layers being joined to one another at least in the region surrounding the inlet and outlet apertures; introducing the liquid or free flowing solid to the transportation containers; transporting the transportation system to another location; and removing the liquid or free flowing solid from the transportation containers.

17. A method according to claim 16 in which the outer flexible web is dropped into the rigid container in which it is to be transported.

18. A method according to claim 17 in which the tops of one or more of the side walls of the outer flexible web are tied to suitable fixing points at or near the top of the walls of the rigid container.

19. A method according to any of claims 16 to 18 in which the required number of corresponding transportation containers are introduced directly into the void defined by the outer flexible web after the outer flexible web has been placed in the outer container.

20. A method according to any of claims 16 to 18 in which the transportation containers are already present within the void defined by the walls of the outer flexible web before it is introduced into the rigid container.

21. A method according to any of claims 16 to 20 in which the transportation containers are lifted out either individually or in groups for processing.

22. A method according to any of claims 16 to 21 in which the outer flexible web and the corresponding transportation containers are transported flat-packed to the point of use.

23. A transportation container for use with a transport system, the transportation container being formed of a composite web comprising at least an inner barrier layer and an outer protective layer and including inlet and outlet apertures, wherein the inner layer is formed from a flexible web and the outer layer formed from a flexible web, the inner and outer layers being joined to one another at least in the region surrounding the inlet and outlet apertures, and wherein the transportation container includes fastening means to allow the container to be at least releasably secured to the inside of a wall of an outer flexible web provided within the transport system and/or to another transportation container.