Method of stabilizing a plastic aerosol container

1. A plastic aerosol container, comprising:

a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 50-300 psig;

a finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion, the finish portion having a sidewall and an upper sealing surface, the finish portion further including securement means to secure an aerosol dispensing closure to the finish portion, a support ledge positioned beneath the securement means; and

a reinforcement structure positioned beneath the support ledge for reinforcing the finish portion against deformation due to pressurization;

wherein the reinforcement structure comprises a secondary flange that is unitary with the side wall of the finish portion; and

the secondary flange has an outer circumference that is non-circular in at least one location.

2. An aerosol container according to claim 1 wherein the support ledge has a circular circumference when viewed in top plan.

3. An aerosol container according to claim 2 wherein the circumference of the support ledge includes a pair of closure fitment registering recesses.

4. An aerosol container according to claim 1 , wherein the secondary flange is fabricated by injection molding or blow molding.

5. An aerosol container according to claim 1 , further comprising an aerosol dispensing closure mounted to the finish portion.

6. An aerosol container according to claim 1 , wherein the securement means comprises a threaded finish portion, and the main body portion and securement means are fabricated from a material comprising polyethylene terephthalate.

7. An aerosol container according to claim 1 , wherein a space is defined between the support ledge and the secondary flange, and wherein the space has a minimum vertical dimension that is at least about 1 mm.

8. An aerosol container according to claim 7 , wherein the minimum vertical dimension is at least about 1.5 mm.

9. An aerosol container according to claim 1 , wherein the securement means comprises an upper bead.

10. A method of stabilizing an aerosol container of the type that has a plastic container having a finish portion with a sidewall, an upper sealing surface and a support ledge, the method comprising:

forming a securement structure above the support ledge;

forming reinforcement structure beneath the support ledge for reinforcing the finish portion against deformation due to pressurization;

installing an aerosol dispensing closure to the securement structure on the finish portion; and

pressurizing the container with an aerosol mixture that is pressurized within a range that is about 50-300 psig;

wherein the reinforcement structure comprises a secondary flange that is unitary with the side wall of the finish portion, and has an outer circumference that is non-circular in at least one location.

11. A method of stabilizing an aerosol container according to claim 10 , wherein the secondary flange is fabricated by blow molding or by injection molding.

12. A method of stabilizing an aerosol container according to claim 10 , wherein the finish portion and the main body portion are fabricated from a material comprising polyethylene terephthalate.

13. A method of stabilizing an aerosol container according to claim 10 , wherein the securement structure comprises a threaded finish portion.

14. A method of stabilizing an aerosol container according to claim 10 , wherein the securement structure comprises an upper bead.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein installing the aerosol dispensing closure comprises crimping the aerosol dispensing closure to the upper bead.