Modified plastic containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods of transforming plastic containers into second-use open containers and hand-washing devices. The invention also relates to plastic containers modified to facilitate their conversion into second-use open containers and hand-washing devices.

1 . A plastic container, comprising:
 a) a base and four sidewalls extending upward from the base and terminating in an open end;   b) a peripheral indentation in the sidewalls of the container parallel to the base, dividing the container into a top portion and a holding section;   c) a first circular indentation in a first sidewall below the peripheral indentation; and   d) a second circular indentation in a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall and just above the base of the container.   
   
   
       2 . The plastic container of  claim 1 , wherein the peripheral indentation is in the middle of the container. 
   
   
       3 . The plastic container of  claim 1 , wherein the peripheral indentation is just below the open end of the container. 
   
   
       4 . The plastic container of  claim 1 , wherein said container is substantially cylindrical. 
   
   
       5 . A plastic container, comprising:
 a) a base and four sidewalls extending upward from the base and terminating in an open end;   b) a peripheral indentation in the sidewall of the container parallel to the base, dividing the container into a top portion and a holding section;   c) a thickened sidewall portion in the holding section below the peripheral indentation.   
   
   
       6 . The plastic container of  claim 5 , wherein the peripheral indentation is in the middle of the container. 
   
   
       7 . The plastic container of  claim 5 , wherein the peripheral indentation is just below the open end of the container. 
   
   
       8 . The plastic container of  claim 5 , wherein the thickened sidewall portion is about 2-20 mm in width. 
   
   
       9 . The plastic container of  claim 5 , wherein the thickened sidewall portion extends to the base. 
   
   
       10 . The plastic container of  claim 5 , wherein said container is substantially cylindrical. 
   
   
       11 . A plastic container, consisting essentially of:
 a) a base and four sidewalls extending upward from the base and terminating in an open end; and   b) a peripheral indentation in the sidewall of the container parallel to the base, dividing the container into a top portion and holding section.   
   
   
       12 . The plastic container of  claim 11 , wherein the peripheral indentation is in the middle of the container. 
   
   
       13 . The plastic container of  claim 11 , wherein the peripheral indentation is just below the open end of the container. 
   
   
       14 . The plastic container of  claim 11 , wherein said container is substantially cylindrical. 
   
   
       15 . A method for transforming a plastic container, having a base and four sidewalls extending upward from the base and terminating in an opening, comprising the steps of:
 a) cutting through the sidewall of the container around the periphery parallel to the base to divide the container into a top portion and holding section;   b) piercing a first hole through the sidewall of the holding section just below the cut; and   c) piercing a second hole through the sidewall opposite the first hole just above the base of the holding section.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , where the plastic container is a soft drink bottle, water bottle, milk container, or cosmetics container. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , where the sidewall is cut in the middle of the container. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , where the sidewall is cut just below the top of the container. 
   
   
       19 . A method of transforming a plastic container comprising a base and four sidewalls extending upward from the base and terminating in a neck adapted to receive a cap, comprising the steps of:
 a) cutting through the sidewalls of the container around the periphery parallel to the base to divide the container into a top portion and a holding section;   b) piercing a first hole through a sidewall of the top portion just above the cut;   c) piercing a second hole through the sidewall of the top portion opposite the first hole just above the cut; and   d) attaching a dispenser cap to the neck.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , where the plastic container is a soft drink bottle, water bottle, milk container, or cosmetics container. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the plastic container further comprises a peripheral indentation to facilitate cutting. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the plastic container further comprises a peripheral indentation to facilitate cutting. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the plastic container farther comprises first and second circular indentation to facilitate piercing. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the plastic container further comprises first and second circular indentations to facilitate piercing. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 19 , where the sidewall is cut in the middle of the container. 
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 19 , where the sidewall is cut just below the top of the container.