Abstract:
The invention relates to a delivery device designed to carry Mineral Water Bottle (MWB) counter charges, by remote means, to a target Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during render-safe procedures. The delivery device is die-cut as a blank and folded into the desired form. The device includes at least one elongated tubular holding element for receiving a MWB counter charge with a lifting strap attached thereto that can easily be grasped by any remote means. The device is designed in such a way so as to provide automatic positioning of the MWB counter charges at the appropriate stand-off distance in relation to the IED. As well, the delivery device is fully collapsible so as to facilitate the storage and transportation of the device, and provides a quick and user-friendly system that facilitates the deployment of MWB counter charges.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/610,200 of Sep. 16, 2004. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the disposal of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) using Mineral Water Bottle (MWB) counter charges. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Mineral Water Bottle counter charges are used to disrupt Improvised Explosive Devices by delivering a liquid, propelled by explosives, towards a target IED. To create the counter charge, the Mineral Water Bottle is equipped with a plastic tube inserted through the cap of the bottle. The tube is approximately 30 cm in length and sits on the bottom of the MWB. Explosive material such as DetCord™, C-4, DetaSheet™ or any other suitable material is used as the main charge. The main charge is inserted in the plastic tube, and depending on the density of the target IED, the charge can be enhanced by wrapping additional explosive material on the outside perimeter of the tube. The tube is preferably centered in the MWB to ensure that a similar volume of liquid is distributed to the target. 
     Detonator(s) are utilised as the primary initiation method and are usually activated via an electric charge by either remote means or by being hooked directly to a blasting machine. Alternatively, non-electric (i.e. shock tube initiated) detonators may be used. The detonators are placed on top of the main charge inside the plastic tube and are either initiated via command wire or by remote means. Detonation of the explosive charge propels the liquid from the MWB at such a pressure and velocity that the IED is neutralized and the area is rendered safe. Depending on the amount and type of explosives that are used to detonate the MWB counter charges, the pressure applied to the target IED can reach 18,000 lbs/in 2 . MWB counter charges are known to be a very effective and efficient method of disrupting Improvised Explosive Devices. 
     However, the use of MWB counter charges is often complicated by the fact there is no universal system in place to facilitate the delivery of the counter charges to the target IED. As well, the use of MWB counter charges can be hazardous due to the fragmentation of material that results once the counter charge is detonated. Numerous techniques are currently used, but the delivery of the counter charges has always been problematic for various reasons. 
     For instance, having a person place the MWB counter charges at the appropriate stand-off distance from the target IED can be a time consuming procedure since the person must be suited up in the appropriate safety gear. As well, it can be difficult to quickly determine the proper positioning of the counter charges in relation to the IED. Furthermore, despite the safety gear and standard safety procedures, there is always a risk to the individual who is required to come into close proximity with the IED. 
     Robotic devices are known in the field and are often used in situations involving potentially dangerous devices, such as IED&#39;s. However, the manipulation of a robotic device to properly position MWB counter charges in relation to an IED can still be quite difficult and time consuming. 
     Carriers for bottles are known; however, they have not been designed or used specifically for the delivery of Mineral Water Bottle counter charges to an Improvised Explosive Device during render-safe procedures. Typical carriers have been designed to merely facilitate the carrying and transporting of bottles or other beverage containers. 
     For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,992 (Gilbert), discloses a beverage bottle carrier made from a one-piece blank of corrugated paperboard or the like which is folded into the desired form without the aid of additional attaching means (i.e. stitching, gluing, etc.). The carrier is in the form of a tray with a handle that divides the carrier into two equally sized carrying compartments. Therefore, although the Gilbert reference discloses the concept of having bottles disposed on either side of a carrier, Gilbert does not disclose any type of means for securely positioning the bottles in the carrier to prevent the movement thereof within the compartments. As well, although the carrier also includes a handle, the handle is not necessarily suited for engagement by a robotic arm or the like. 
     Canadian Patent Application No. 2,146,264 (Miret) discloses a bottle carrying device that includes a triangular base portion with an upwardly projecting handle portion. The triangular base portion includes cut-outs in the base portion and each of the sidewalls for receiving the neck of a bottle. The cut-outs in the sidewalls are adapted to engage the annular shoulder of the neck of the bottle, thereby securing the bottle in place. While Miret discloses a triangular shaped support structure that actively engages the bottles, the Miret device is not particularly suited to the delivery of MWB counter charges since the device does not provide any form of supporting base that would ensure the counter charges remain upright. 
     Canadian Patent Application No. 2,257,459 (Piotrowski) discloses a bottle pack container comprising two symmetrical carrying parts disposed about a central axis. The container is preferably made from cardboard or pasteboard, and has a central portion formed by superimposed central walls of the carrying parts, which are fastened together by a lock which forms a grip. Each carrying part also includes a bottom wall and an external wall. Extending between the central portion and the external wall of each carrying part is one or more support rings sized to receive a bottle. The support rings are foldably connected to their respective central wall, and have tabs projecting therefrom which are glued to the external wall during assembly of the container. The external walls of each carrying portion also include cut-outs therein for receiving a strap which secures the assembled container around the bottles. Once again, although this application discloses the concept of oppositely disposed bottle-carrying portions with means for supporting the bottles in place, the grip portion is not necessarily well-suited for engagement by a robotic arm. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a quick and user-friendly system that facilitates the deployment of Mineral Water Bottle counter charges. The invention comprises a delivery device designed to carry at least one MWB counter charge, by remote means, to a target Improvised Explosive Device during render-safe procedures. The delivery device is designed in such a way so as to provide automatic positioning of the MWB counter charges at the appropriate stand-off distance in relation to the IED, depending on the orientation of the device. As well, the delivery device is fully collapsible so as to facilitate the storage and transportation of the device. 
     Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a delivery device for carrying a Mineral Water Bottle counter charge that comprises an elongated tubular holding element having an opening defined in the upper portion thereof for receiving the MWB counter charge. The delivery device also includes a lifting strap connected to the holding element and aligned with the opening therein. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a blank for forming a delivery device for carrying a Mineral Water Bottle counter charge, comprising a base panel, and two sidewall panels each being connected to a respective side edge of the base panel by a fold line. A cut-out section is defined in an outer edge of the sidewall panels. The blank further includes locking means for securing the sidewall panels in a triangular configuration once they have been folded towards each other relative to the base panel along the fold lines. Means are also provided in the base and side wall panels of the blank for securing a lifting strap to the delivery device. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a delivery device for carrying two Mineral Water Bottle counter charges comprising a central panel with an elongated tubular holding element disposed along each side edge of the central panel. An opening is defined in the upper portion of each holding element for receiving one of the MWB counter charges. The device further includes a lifting strap aligned with the openings and connectable to the holding elements and the central panel. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a blank for forming a delivery device for carrying two Mineral Water Bottle counter charges comprising a generally rectangular central panel and two base panels, each being connected to a respective side edge of the central panel. A set of two sidewall panels are connected to a respective base panel along a side edge thereof by a fold line. Each sidewall of the set is connected to each other along a second fold line. The blank further includes a cut-out portion defined in each set of sidewall panels along the second fold line, and locking means for securing each set of sidewall panels in a triangular configuration with the respective base panel. The blank also includes means in the base panels and side panels for securing a lifting strap to the delivery device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be better understood with reference to the detailed description taken in combination with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the delivery device adapted for holding one Mineral Water Bottle counter charge; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the delivery device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a blank for forming the delivery device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a plan view of a blank for forming a delivery device adapted for holding one Mineral Water Bottle counter charge according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a delivery device adapted for holding two Mineral Water Bottle counter charges; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a blank for forming the delivery device of  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of a reinforcing panel for use with the blank of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a delivery device  10  for holding a Mineral Water Bottle counter charge  12 . In practice, the MWB counter charge  12  is equipped with an explosive main charge that is housed in a plastic tube (not shown) that is inserted through the center of cap  13  of the MWB counter charge  12 . At least one detonator (not shown) is positioned on top of the main charge inside the plastic tube and acts as the primary initiation means. The delivery device  10  is preferably made from corrugated plastic that can be die-cut as a blank and folded into the desired form. When designed for use with only one MWB counter charge, the assembled delivery device  10  comprises an elongated tubular holding element  14 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the elongated tubular holding element  14  is preferably triangular in shape having a base panel  16 , and two sidewall panels  18 a,  18 b that angle towards each other creating the triangular configuration. The holding element  14  includes a cut-out portion  20  located along the upper portion of the triangular holding element  14  for receiving the MWB counter charge  12 . The cut-out portion  20  is sized so as to create an interference fit with the MWB counter charge  12 , thereby frictionally engaging the counter charge  12  in the holding element  14 . The size and shape of the cut-out portion may vary in order to accommodate different sizes of counter charges. Typically, MWB counter charges come in 500 ml, 1.5 L or 2.6 L sizes. 
     The centre C′ of the cut-out portion  20  is positioned offset from the centre C of the holding element  14  by a distance A along the longitudinal axis  21  thereof, thereby creating a shorter end portion  22  of the holding element  14  and a longer end portion  24  of the holding element  14 , that correspond to first and second stand-off distances S 1 , S 2  which are known to be effective for the disposal of Improvised Explosive Devices. 
     A lifting strap  26  is secured to the delivery device  10  to provide a form of carrying means for the device. The lifting strap  26  comprises a web of material with sufficient rigidity that it can substantially retain its form when lifting forces are not being exerted on the strap  26 . The lifting strap  26  can, therefore, be made of a bendable plastic, wired fabric, or any other suitable material. The lifting strap  26  is secured to the delivery device  10  by threading an end of the web strap material through strategically positioned openings  28   a - d  in the sidewalls  18   a ,  18   b  and base  16  of the holding element  14 , thereby creating a handle portion  30 , two generally downwardly depending leg portions  31 ,  32  and a bottom portion  33 . The ends of the web strap material are equipped with mating means such as a strap buckle, corresponding male and female components of a conventional tie-strap, or any other suitable means that allow the ends to be interlocked creating a closed loop secured to the delivery device  10 . 
     The lifting strap  26  is positioned on the delivery device  10  so that the leg portions  31 ,  32  of the strap  26  are on either side of the MWB counter charge  12  in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  21  of the delivery device  10 . The lifting strap  26  extends above the height of the MWB counter charge  12  so as to provide adequate clearance between the handle portion  30  of the lifting strap  26  and the top of the MWB  12 . This ensures that the handle portion  30  can be readily grasped by any remote means, such as a mechanical arm of a robotic device. 
     In order to ensure that the MWB counter charge  12  is adequately secured in the delivery device  10 , a securing strap  34  is provided which surrounds the MWB counter charge  12  and the leg portions  31 ,  32  of the lifting strap  26 . The securing strap  34  may take the form of a piece of tape, a Velcro™ strap, a twist tie, or any similar means. 
     The structure of the delivery device  10  facilitates the proper placement of the MWB counter charge  12  at the appropriate stand-off distance from the target Improvised Explosive Device to ensure effective disposal of the IED due to the offsetting of the cut-out portion  20  an appropriate distance from the centre of the holding element  14 . Therefore, when it is desirable to have the MWB counter charge  12  placed at the closer of the two stand-off distances to the target IED, the delivery device is oriented so that the shorter end  22  of the holding element  14  abuts the IED, which automatically places the counter charge  12  at the first predetermined stand-off distance S 1  from the IED. When it is desirable to have the MWB  12  placed farther away from the IED, the delivery device is oriented in the opposite direction so that the longer end  24  of the holding element  14  abuts the IED, thereby positioning the counter charge  12  at the second predetermined stand-off distance S 2  from the target. Therefore, when disposal of an IED is required, the operator of a robotic device can easily deliver the MWB counter charge  12  at either the first or second available stand-off distance to effectively dispose of the IED with minimal risk to the operator of the robotic device and any other person on scene at the time of the disposal. 
     A blank  36  for forming the delivery device  10  adapted for holding one MWB counter charge  12  is shown in  FIG. 3 . Centrally located in the blank  36  is base panel  16 , which is connected by living hinges, score or fold lines  38  to sidewall panels  18   a ,  18   b . The sidewall panels  18   a ,  18   b  define cut-out sections  20   a ,  20   b  which interrupt the outer edge  40  of the sidewall panels  18   a ,  18   b . When the blank  36  is formed into the delivery device  10 , the cut-out sections  20   a ,  20   b  come together to create the cut-out portion  20  in the triangular holding element  14 . The cut-out sections may be generally rectangular in shape Two locking tabs  42   a ,  42   b  extend from the edge of sidewall panel  18   b  on either side of the cut-out section  20   b  adjacent the opening thereof. The locking tabs  42   a ,  42   b  are connected to the sidewall panel  18   b  by living hinge, score or fold lines  44 . The distal end of each of the locking tabs  42   a ,  42   b  has a locking head  46  attached thereto by a neck portion  45  which is narrower in width than the locking tab itself. The sidewall panel  18   a  that does not include the locking tabs  42   a ,  42   b  instead includes two T-shaped slots  48   a ,  48   b , with one located on either side of the cut-out section  20   a  proximal the fold line  38  connecting the sidewall panel  18   a  to the base panel  16 . Each slot has a first section  49   a  of a width to receive the locking head  46  of the corresponding tab  42   a ,  42   b , and a second section  49   b  of a width to frictionally receive the neck portion  45  thereof. 
     In order to assemble the delivery device  10  from the blank  36 , sidewall panels  18   a ,  18   b  are folded upwards, relative to base panel  16 , along fold lines  38 . Locking tabs  42   a ,  42   b  are then folded along lines  44  and are directed over the opposite sidewall panel  18   a  towards the base thereof. Locking heads  46  are then folded inwards along the neck portion  45  and are inserted in the first section  49   a  of the corresponding T-shaped slot  48   a ,  48   b . The locking heads  46  are then pushed into engagement with the second stem section  49   b  of the T-shaped slots  48   a ,  48   b  so that the neck portions  45  become frictionally engaged therein, thereby securing the sidewall panels  18   a ,  18   b  of the holding element  14  in the desired triangular configuration. 
     The blank  36  also includes a series of die-cut openings  28   a - d  through which the lifting strap  26  is threaded and secured to the delivery device  10 . The base panel  16  has aligned openings  28   a ,  28   b  slightly spaced from fold lines  38  and in line with the centre of the cut-out sections  20   a ,  20   b . The sidewall panels  18   a ,  18   b  include openings  28   c ,  28   d  positioned opposite to, and in alignment with, the corresponding openings  28   a ,  28   b  in the base panel  16  across fold line  38 . When the blank  36  is assembled to form the delivery device  10  and the lifting strap  26  is attached thereto, the leg portions  31 ,  32  of the lifting strap extend into the cut-out portion  20  of the triangular holding element along the edges thereof and out through the openings  28   c ,  28   d  near the base of the sidewall panels  18   a ,  18   b . The strap  26  then folds around the bottom edges of the holding element  14  created by fold lines  38 , and enters the holding element  14  through the openings  28   a ,  28   b  in the base panel  16 , and spans the floor of the holding element  14 . The threading of the lifting strap  26  through the series of openings  28   a - d  in the base panel  16  and sidewall panels  18   a ,  18   b  of the delivery device  10  creates a secure and balanced lifting strap  26  for the delivery device  10 . Alternatively, rather than having the lifting strap  26  span the floor of the holding element  14  through openings  28   a ,  28   b , the lifting strap can simply traverse the base of the holding element  14  on the exterior thereof once it has exited the holding element  14  through openings  28   c ,  28   d . This can facilitate the manufacturing of the blank for the delivery device  10  since only two strap openings are required. 
       FIG. 3   a  shows an alternate blank  36 ′ that may be used to create the delivery device for carrying one Mineral Water Bottle counter charge. In this embodiment, the blank  36 ′ still comprises three panels, however, the sidewall panels  18   a ′,  18   b ′ are positioned adjacent each other in series along fold line  39 ′ with the base panel  16 ′ positioned adjacent sidewall panel  18   a ′ along fold line  38 ′. 
     In order to easily accommodate different sized MWB counter charges, multiple cut-out portions  20 ′,  20 ″,  20 ′″. are formed in the middle of the two sidewall panels  18   a ′,  18   b ′ along fold line  39 ′ offset from the centre of the delivery device  10  along the longitudinal axis  21  thereof. Cut-out portions  20 ″ and  20 ′″ are created by perforated lines so that the excess material can be removed to form the desired opening when one of the large sized MWB counter charges is used. 
     As well, rather than having locking tabs extend from the outer edge of one of the side wall panels, the locking tabs  42   a ′,  42   b ′ are embedded in the base panel  16 ′ of the blank  36 ′. The locking tabs  42   a ′,  42   b ′ are attached to the base panel  16 ′ along fold line  44 ′, the remaining edges of the locking tabs  42   a ′,  42   b ′ being free to lift out of the plane of the base panel  16 ′. 
     When blank  36 ′ is folded into the desired configuration, the sidewall panel  18   b ′ is folded relative to panel  18   a ′ along line  39 ′ which creates the apex of the triangular holding element. 
     Panel  18   a ′ is folded relative to base panel  16 ′ along fold line  38 ′ which brings the outer edge  40 ′ of panel  18   b ′ proximal the edge  41 ′ of the base panel  16 ′. The locking tabs  42   a ′,  42   b ′ are pressed out of the plane of base panel  16 ′ and are pushed into engagement with the corresponding T-shaped slots  48   a ′,  48   b ′ in sidewall panel  18   b ′ thereby consolidating the triangular configuration of the holding element  14 . The lifting strap  26  can then be secured to the holding element  14  in a similar manner as described for the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3   a , the T-shaped slots  48   a ′,  48   b ′ are oriented so that the larger first section  49   a ′ of the T-shaped slots is spaced away from the outer edge of sidewall panel  18   b ′ with the second stem section  49   b ′ located proximal the edge of the sidewall panel  18   b ′. This configuration has been found to be advantageous when the locking tabs are located in the base panel  16 ′, although the T-shaped slots will also function in the reverse position, as shown in  FIG. 3 , without any significant effect on the structure of the delivery device  10 . 
     The delivery device may also be adapted for use with more than one Mineral Water Bottle counter charge, as shown in  FIG. 4 . When two MWB counter charges are required to dispose of an Improvised Explosive Device, the delivery device  100  comprises two elongated triangular holding elements  114  disposed along opposite sides of a rectangular central panel  117 . Each of the holding elements  114  comprises a base panel  116  and two sidewall panels  118   a ,  118   b . Each of the holding elements  114  includes a cut-out portion  120  in the triangular upper portion thereof for receiving a MWB counter charge  112 . As with the single MWB counter charge delivery device  10 , the cut-out portions  120  are offset from the centre of the delivery device  100  by a distance AA along the longitudinal axis  121  thereof so as to create a first stand-off distance S 11  with the length of one end  122  of the delivery device  100  and a second stand-off distance S 22  with the length of the other end  124  of the delivery device  100 . 
     When using two MWB counter charges  112 , an additional reinforcing panel  150  may be required, depending on the strength and thickness of the material used for the device, to prevent the delivery device  100  from folding, bending, or collapsing with the additional weight of the two MWB counter charges  112 . When the reinforcing panel  150  is being used, it is positioned over the central panel  117  and a portion of each of the adjacent base panels  116  of the delivery device  100 . Therefore, a substantial portion of the base of the delivery device  100  is of at least double thickness which ensures that the base of the device has sufficient strength to support the weight of the MWB counter charges. However, if the material forming the delivery device  100  is sufficiently rigid, then the reinforcing panel  150  is not required. 
     A lifting strap  126  is secured to the double delivery device  100  in a similar manner to that used for the singular delivery device  10 . The lifting strap  126  has a handle portion  130 , two downwardly depending leg portions  131 ,  132 , and a base portion  133  that is threaded through similarly positioned openings  128   a - e  in the base panel  116  and sidewall panels  118   a ,  118   b  of each of the holding elements  114 . Additional securing straps  134  may also be used in order to ensure that the Mineral Water Bottle counter charges  112  are positioned securely in the delivery device  100 . Although the threading of the lifting strap  126  through openings  128   a - e  is preferred since it provides additional stability and additional securing of the holding elements  114  in the triangular configuration, as mentioned above, it is not essential to the functioning of the delivery device. As with the single Mineral Water Bottle delivery device  10 , the base portion  133  of the lifting strap  126  for the double MWB delivery device  100  can simply traverse the bottom of the delivery device  100  on the exterior thereof without being threaded through openings  128   a ,  128   b ,  128   d ,  128   e.    
     A blank  136  for forming the delivery device  100  for carrying two Mineral Water Bottle counter charges  112  is shown in  FIG. 5 . Centrally located in the blank  136  is central panel  117 . Adjacent the central panel  117  are the base panels  116  of each of the triangular holding elements  114 . The base panels  116  are distinguished from the central panel  117  by reference or connection lines  137 . Adjacent each of the base panels  116  are the two sidewall panels  118   a ,  118   b  for each holding element  114 , which are separated from the base panel  116  and from each other by score or fold lines  138  and  139 , respectively, which act as living hinges. Fold lines  139  serve as the apex of the triangular holding elements  114  once the blank  136  has been folded into the final configuration. Fold lines  138  create the outer edges/corners of the triangular holding elements  114  when the blank  136  is configured to form the delivery device  100 . 
     Fold lines  139  are each interrupted by multiple concentric cut-out sections  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″ which provide an opening in each triangular holding element  114  for receiving a MWB counter charge  112 . Cut-out sections  120 ′ and  120 ″ are created by perforated lines around the central opening  120  so that when a larger opening for the MWB counter charge is required, the excess material can be easily removed. As with the single MWB counter charge delivery device  10 , the cut-out sections  120  are positioned offset from the centre of the delivery device  100  along the longitudinal axis  121  thereof, thereby creating the first and second stand-off distances S 11 , S 22 . 
     The base panels  116  have locking tabs  142   a ,  142   b  die-cut therein, with each locking tab positioned adjacent a respective end edge of the base panel  116 . The locking tabs  142   a ,  142   b  are connected to the base panel at fold lines  144 , and the remaining edges of the locking tabs  142   a ,  142   b  are defined by cut lines which allow the locking tabs  142   a ,  142   b  to be pushed out of the plane of the base panels  116 . 
     The outermost panels of the blank  136  are sidewall panels  118   b  for each holding element  114 . The sidewall panels  118   b  include T-shaped slots  148   a ,  148   b  located along the outer edge of the sidewall panels  118   b  and positioned so as to correspond with the locking tabs  142   a ,  142   b  located in the base panels  116 . When the delivery device  100  is folded into the desired configuration, the locking tabs  142   a ,  142   b  are brought into engagement with the T-shaped slots  148   a ,  148   b  in the sidewall panels  118   b , so as to secure the holding elements  114  in the desired triangular configuration. According to the preferred embodiment, the T-shaped slots  148   a ,  148   b  are oriented so that the larger first section  149   a  of the T-shaped slot is oriented away from the outer edge of sidewall panels  118   b , thereby positioning the second stem section  149   b  proximal the edge of the sidewall panel  118   b . However, the T-shaped slots  148   a ,  148   b  will also function appropriately in the reverse position without any significant effect on the structure of the triangular holding elements  114 . 
     As with the single MWB counter charge delivery device  10 , the blank  136  for the double MWB counter charge delivery device  100  includes a series of strategically placed openings  128   a - e  through which the lifting strap  126  is threaded. Openings  128   c ,  128   d  are located on either side of the cut-out portion proximal the bottom of each sidewall panel  118   a ,  118   b  of each holding element  114 . Strap openings  128   a ,  128   b  are also located in each of the base panels  116 , with one opening  128   a  located opposite the opening  128   d  in the innermost sidewall panel  118   b  across fold line  138 , and the other opening  128   b  being located proximate to reference line  137  in line with opening  128   a . A third opening  128   e  is also located in each base panel  116  and is parallel to and slightly inside from opening  128   b.    
     Reinforcing panel  150  (see  FIG. 6 ) may be used in conjunction with the blank  136  to create the double MWB counter charge delivery device  100 . The reinforcing panel  150  is sized so as to cover the central panel  117  and the majority of the two base panels  116 . Therefore, the reinforcing panel  150  overlaps a portion of the blank  136  so that the majority of the base of the delivery device  100  is a two-ply structure. Slots  152   a ,  152   b  are cut out along the outer edges  153  of the reinforcing panel  150  at each end thereof, corresponding to the position of the locking tabs  142   a ,  142   b  in base panels  116 . The slots  152   a ,  152   b  allow the locking tabs  142   a ,  142   b  to engage with the T-shaped slots  148   a ,  148   b  without any interference from the reinforcing panel  150 . The reinforcing panel  150  also includes two openings  156 ,  158 , which when in place over the blank, overlap openings  128   b ,  128   e  in the base panels  116  so as not to interfere with the threading of the lifting strap  126  through the base of the delivery device  100 . 
     The blank  136  can also be formed without openings  128   a ,  128   b ,  128   d ,  128   e  since the lifting strap  126  can simply be threaded around the bottom of the delivery device  100  as mentioned above. When such a blank is used in conjunction with a reinforcing panel, the reinforcing panel  150  does not need openings  156 ,  158  since the lifting strap  126  remains on the outside of the delivery device  100 . 
     In order to form the double Mineral Water Bottle counter charge delivery device  100 , the reinforcing panel  150  is placed in position on the blank  136 . Sidewall panels  118   b  are folded along fold lines  138  and the apex of the triangular holding elements  114  is created as sidewall panels  118   a  are folded along lines  139 . Locking tabs  142   a ,  142   b  are then lifted through the slots  152   a ,  152   b  in the reinforcing panel  150  and engage the T-shaped slots  148   a ,  148   b  in the sidewall panels  118   b . Once the triangular holding elements  114  have been configured, the lifting strap  126  can be secured to the delivery device  100 . An end of the lifting strap is inserted through one of the cut-out portions in one of the holding elements along the outer edge thereof. The strap then exits the opening  128   d  in the sidewall panel and bends around the outer corner of the device created by fold line  138 . The strap is then inserted through the corresponding opening  128   a  in the base panel, spanning the width thereof over the top of the reinforcing panel  150 , until exiting again at the first of the two openings,  128   e , located on the other side of the base panel  116 . The strap enters the second of the two openings  128   b , and then exits the triangular holding element through the opening  128   d  in sidewall panel  118   b . The strap  126  then spans the width of the central panel  117  over top of the reinforcing panel  150  and goes through the same series of threading through the openings  128   a - e  in the other triangular holding element until the ends of the lifting strap  126  meet, creating a closed loop with a handle portion  130  and two leg portions  131 ,  132 . 
     One of the advantages of using the blank  136  adapted for use with two Mineral Water Bottle counter charges is that it can be easily modified for use with a single such counter charge. By cutting along reference lines  137  on either side of the central panel  117 , blank  136  is transformed into two blanks, according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3   a , for forming single MWB counter charge delivery devices. This modification can easily be done in the field as required, making the blank  136  quite versatile. 
     While the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that variations or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.