Patent Description:
From <CIT> a hand-held dispensing device is known for dispensing and applying a substance, such as a medicinal spray, to the skin of a host. The known device includes a hollow body, a capsule mounted within the hollow body for containing the substance, a nozzle mounted within the hollow body communicating with the substance in the capsule, an actuator to cause metered quantities of the substance to be dispensed from the capsule through the nozzle, a shroud defining an exit space for receiving the substance emerging from the nozzle, and a cap detachably mounted on the shroud to selectively open and close the nozzle and thereby control escape of the substance from the capsule.

However, the known device is somewhat unwieldy to use and carry around. It is an object of the invention to provide an underarm spray delivery device which at least partially overcomes this drawback.

According to this end, the present invention provides a hand-held underarm spray delivery device, comprising: a container for containing medically active ingredient; an actuatable pump connected to the container and comprising a spray dispensing orifice with a spray axis, wherein the pump is adapted for, upon actuation, releasing a spray comprising the medically active ingredient through said orifice along the spray axis; a housing comprising a first part, a second part, and a flexible shroud attached to the first and the second part, wherein the pump is arranged within the housing, and wherein the first part and/or the second part is provided with an opening aligned with the spray dispensing orifice for allowing spray released through the dispensing orifice to pass through, wherein the second part is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the first part between an open position in which spray can pass out of the housing, and a closed position in which spray is prevented from passing out of the housing. When the second part is in the closed position, the device takes up relatively little space, in this manner providing a device that can easily be carried in a purse or pocket.

Typically, the first and second housing part are preferably substantially rigid, e.g. made from, or comprising, a hard plastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, an acetal copolymer, and the shroud is typically elastic, e.g. made from, or comprising, an elastic material such as silicone or rubber. The substantially rigid first and second part provide a protective shell for the pump and part or all of the container against deformation and damage. When the second part is in the open position, inner sides of the flexible shroud and of the first and second part together substantially prevent passage of spray from said inner side to an outer side of the shroud other than beyond the edge of the shroud. When the second part is in the closed position, interior surfaces of the device that may come in contact with the spray are completely covered, and the device can be picked up and held without risk of coming into contact with the spray.

In an embodiment the housing, when the second part is in the closed position, seals off an interior volume delimited by the flexible shroud and facing inner surfaces of the first and second housing part, in a substantially liquid tight manner. Liquid containing the medically active ingredient is thus prevented from passing out of the interior volume when the device is closed.

In an embodiment the first and/or second part of the housing is provided with one or more locking mechanisms, adapted for locking the first and second part in the closed position. A user will thus actively have to open the device before the device is ready to dispense spray. Additionally, when the shroud, or at least the circumferential distal edge of the shroud, comprises an elastic material, the locking mechanisms help to press the first part and the second part together such that the shroud can form a liquid-tight seal. The one or more locking mechanisms, which may be spring loaded locking mechanisms, are preferably arranged to be operated by a user from the outer side of the housing when the housing is in the closed position.

In an embodiment the device further comprises a biasing element for biasing the second part to the open position. In this manner, in order to open the device, a user does not have to touch the distal edge of the shroud with his or her fingers. This further helps the user to avoid contact between the user's fingers and any spray that may be present along the distal edge of the shroud. In case the device is provided with one or more locking mechanisms, releasing the locking mechanism(s) will typically result in the second part moving to the open position.

In an embodiment, the pump is adapted for providing a metal-contact free fluid path for the spray through the pump upon actuation of the pump. A suitable pump is offered by Aptar Pharma under the name "Advanced Preservative Free plus".

In an embodiment the first part and the second part each have an inner surface, wherein a layer of liquid absorbing material is provided on the inner surface of the first and/or second part, for preventing liquid containing medically active ingredient from running along the inner surface of the first and/or second part out of the device. An example of absorbing material is tissue. When some of the spray, rather than reaching its intended target, is directed onto the absorbing material, it may be thus substantially prevented that the medically active ingredient will leak out of the device.

In an embodiment the pump is adapted to be actuated by pressing the container relative to the first and second housing part towards the spray dispensing orifice, preferably by pressing the container towards said orifice along the axis of rotation. Thus, when the pump is actuated, the position of the orifice relative to the first and second part of the housing remains the same.

In an embodiment the container comprises a circumferential portion arranged within the housing, and an end surface spaced distally from the dispensing orifice and arranged to be pressed towards the spray dispensing orifice by a user for actuating the pump. In this manner, the pump can be operated by pressing the end surface of the container towards the orifice. Preferably the end surface of the container is arranged outside of the first and housing parts at least when the pump is not actuated and preferably also when the pump is actuated. The end surface of the container may in this manner function as a button, or part of such a button, for actuating the pump.

In an embodiment the circumferential portion of the container comprises a transparent material, and the first and/or second part of the housing comprises a see-through portion for allowing visual inspection, through the see-through portion and the transparent material, of a level of liquid in the container when the second part of the housing is in the closed position. Though the see-through portion may simply be formed as an opening in the first or second part of the housing, it is preferred that the see-through portion comprises a transparent piece of plastic material.

In an embodiment the flexible shroud comprises a circumferential distal edge shaped and adapted for lying against an armpit along said entire edge when the second part is in the open position. As the edge is adapted for lying against a user's armpit, escape of liquid through gaps between the user's skin and the shroud may be substantially avoided. The distal edge is preferably adapted for folding onto itself when the second part of the housing is in the closed position, for sealing an interior space defined by the housing. This may be achieved for instance when the distal edge of the flexible shroud comprises an elastic material that is adapted to be compressed between the first part and the second part of the housing when the second part is in the closed position.

In an embodiment, when seen in projection onto a plane normal to the spray axis and parallel to the axis of rotation, and when the second part is in the open position, each part of the circumferential distal edge is spaced apart from the spray axis by at least <NUM>. In this manner a spray cone is possible which substantially does not contact the first or second housing parts.

In an embodiment the device further comprises a blocking mechanism adapted for preventing actuation of the pump when the second part is in the closed position. In this manner, accidental spraying of the medically active ingredient is substantially avoided, allowing the device to be safely carried in a user's purse or pocket. The blocking mechanism preferably is arranged within the first and/or second part, to prevent a user from accidentally unblocking the mechanism.

In an embodiment the pump is releasably arranged within the housing, to allow the pump and/or the pump and container connected thereto to be replaced. In this embodiment the device is provided with a latch which is moveable between a first position in which the latch block movement of the pump out of the housing, and a second position in which the pump can be removed from the housing in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, wherein the latch is adapted to be moveable from the first to the second position only when the second part of the housing is in the closed position. The latch is preferably arranged to be operated by a user from the outer side of the housing.

In an embodiment the axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, preferably wherein the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis of the container substantially coincide.

In an embodiment the spray axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container.

In an embodiment, when the second part of the housing is in the closed position the device has a substantially wedge-like shape, e.g. similar to the shape of a closed cockle, providing a particularly compact device.

In an embodiment the first and second housing part each comprise a distal edge, wherein when the second part is in the closed position the distal edges of the first and second part are spaced apart by a first distance, and when the second part is in the open position the distal edges of the first and second part are spaced apart by a second distance greater than the first distance. The first distance may correspond substantially to twice the thickness of the circumferential edge of the shroud when the second part is in the closed position, in which case the second distance is at least <NUM> times greater than the first distance.

Preferably, when seen in projection onto a plane normal to the axis of rotation, the container has an outer diameter which is greater than the first distance and smaller than the second distance.

In an embodiment the second part is adapted for rotating between the closed and the open position relative to the first part, and preferably also relative to the spray axis over an angle of between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees around the axis or rotation.

In an embodiment, when the second part is in the closed position, the entire device fits within a rectangular box of dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM>,<NUM>.

In an embodiment the container is releasably attached to the pump by means of a liquid tight connection, e.g. a liquid-tight screw connection. By replacing an empty container with a container that contains a medically active component, the device can be reused many times.

In an embodiment the container contains an aqueous formulation comprising an anticholinergic agent as the active ingredient, such as tiotropium bromide, ipratropium, glycopyrronium, and/or oxybutynin. Besides affecting the sweat glands, some anticholinergic agents have the capability of influencing the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lungs or other parts of the body. The dispensing device according to the invention helps prevent that the anticholinergic agent comes into contact with other parts of the user's body than the user's armpits, and in particular prevents the spray from being ingested or inhaled.

The formulation may further comprise an aqueous phase, and a dermatologically acceptable pH adjustment agent to provide the formulation with a pH in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> at <NUM>. These compounds are highly suitable for topical treatment of hyperhidrosis. The pH of the aqueous formulation according to the invention is measured at <NUM> using conventional techniques known to the skilled person.

The term "dermatologically acceptable pH adjustment agent" as used herein refers to buffering agents. The pH of the formulation is suitably adjusted by adding a dermatologically acceptable pH adjustment agent selected from buffering systems or salts of weak organic or inorganic acids, such as carbonate buffers, citrate buffers, phosphate buffers, acetate buffers, hydrochloric acid, lactic acid, tartric acid, diethylamine, triethylamine, diisopropylamine, aminomethylamine, or the like. Preferably, the buffer is citrate buffer. Typical citrate buffers are comprised of citric and sodium or potassium citrate, or citric acid and Na<NUM>HPO<NUM>.

The aqueous formulation may comprise dermatologically acceptable excipients. Typically, the excipients are selected from bactericides, preservatives, antioxidants, humectants, sequestering agents, moisturizers, emollients, surfactant, drying agents, fragrances and the like.

In an embodiment the aqueous formulation comprises <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % aqueous phase, by weight of the total formulation, preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. %, even more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt. % aqueous phase by weight of the total formulation. According to a preferred embodiment, the aqueous phase comprises, based on the weight of the aqueous phase, at least <NUM> wt. % water, preferably at least <NUM> wt. % water, more preferably at least <NUM> wt. % water, even more preferably at least <NUM> wt. % water, most preferably at least <NUM> wt. The term "aqueous phase" as used herein refers to an aqueous phase comprising water or pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble components, such as ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and conventional water-soluble components. The "aqueous phase" is in the liquid state or in the semi-solid state at <NUM>, preferably the liquid state. %" referred to herein are based on weight of total aqueous formulation, unless otherwise indicated.

In an embodiment the anticholinergic agent is "oxybutynin". "Oxybutynin equivalent" as used herein refers to oxybutynin free base or a dermatologically acceptable salt of oxybutynin, such as oxybutynin hydrochloride (C<NUM>H<NUM>NO<NUM>. HCl; <NUM>- diethylaminobut-<NUM>-ynylalpha-cyclohexylmandelate hydrochloride), or mixtures thereof. Oxybutynin as used herein refers to the (R) and (S) tereoisomers of oxybutynin, and mixtures of the stereoisomers. Preferably, oxybutynin equivalent is present in an aqueous formulation in an amount of <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % oxybutynin equivalent, more preferably <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, more preferably in an amount of <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, based on total weight of the aqueous formulation. Suitable oxybutynin salts are selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, acetate, bitartrate, citrate, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, lactate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylnitrate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, pamoate, pantothenate, phosphate, salicylate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tarmate, tartrate, xinafoate, palmitate, pamoic salt, a resonate salt, a laurate salt and others. Pharmaceutical derivatives of oxybutynin which are closely related to oxybutynin are also understood to fall within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, oxybutynin is oxybutynin hydrochloride or used in equivalent amount thereof.

In an embodiment the anticholinergic agent is "glycopyrronium". "Glycopyrronium equivalent" as used herein refers to glycopyrronium free base or a dermatologically acceptable salt of glycopyrronium, such as glycopyrronium bromide (C19H28BrNO3; [(<NUM>)-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylpyrrolidin-<NUM>-ium-<NUM>-yl] (2R)-<NUM>-cyclopentyl-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-phenylacetate;bromide), or mixtures thereof. Preferably, glycopyrronium equivalent is present in an aqueous formulation in an amount of <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % glycopyrronium equivalent, more preferably <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably in an amount of <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, yet more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. %, based on total weight of the aqueous formulation. Suitable glycopyrronium salts are selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, such as iodide, acetate , sulphate, chloride, fluoride, iodide, nitrate, sulfonate, phosphate, propionate, glycolate, pyruvate, oxalate, succinate, fumarate, tartrate, citrate, benzoate, methanesulfonate, <NUM>-methylbenzenesulfonate (tosylate), salicylate and others. Pharmaceutical derivatives of glycopyrronium which are closely related to glycopyrronium are also understood to fall within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, glycopyrronium is glycopyrronium bromide or used in equivalent amount thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises, by weight of the total formulation: <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % glycopyrronium equivalent; <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % aqueous phase; dermatologically acceptable pH adjustment agent to provide the formulation with a pH in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> at <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the container contains an aqueous formulation for use in the treatment of a skin disease, said treatment comprising topically administering to a human patient an aqueous formulation comprising, by weight of the total formulation: <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % glycopyrronium equivalent; <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % aqueous phase; dermatologically acceptable pH adjustment agent comprising citrate, wherein the formulation has a pH in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> at <NUM>. The skin disease may for instance be primary or secondary hyperhidrosis.

In an embodiment the anticholinergic agent is "ipratropium". "Ipratropium equivalent" as used herein refers to the substance (<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propan-<NUM>-yl-<NUM>- azoniabicyclo[<NUM>. <NUM>]octan-<NUM>-yl) <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-phenylpropanoate. Typically, ipratropium is present in the aqueous formulation in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The pharmaceutically acceptable salt is suitably selected from ipratropium bromide anhydrous or monohydrate, or ipratropium chloride. Preferably, ipratropium is ipratropium bromide, more preferably ipratropium bromide monohydrate. Preferably, ipratropium as used herein refers to anhydrous or monohydrate ipratropium bromide. Typically, monohydrate ipratropium bromide is freely soluble in water (<NUM>/mL) at <NUM>. Preferably, ipratropium equivalent is present in the aqueous formulation in an amount of <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % , more preferably <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> wt.

In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous formulation comprises, by weight of the total formulation: <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % ipratropium equivalent; <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % aqueous phase; dermatologically acceptable pH adjustment agent to provide the formulation with a pH in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> at <NUM>. The skin disease may for instance be primary or secondary hyperhidrosis.

In an embodiment the anticholinergic agent is "tiotropium". "Tiotropium equivalent" as used herein refers to the substance (1α, 2β, 4β, 5α, 7β)-<NUM>- [(hydroxydi-<NUM>-thienylacetyl)oxy]-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>-oxa-<NUM>-azoniatricyclo[<NUM>. <NUM>,<NUM>]nonane and salts thereof. Suitable salts are fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, C1-C4alkyl sulfate, sulfate, hydrogen sulfate, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, nitrate, maleate, acetate, trifluoroacetate, citrate, fumarate, tartrate, oxalate, succinate and benzoate. Preferably, tiotropium as used herein refers to anhydrous or monohydrate tiotropium bromide. Tiotropium equivalent, preferably tiotropium bromide is present in the aqueous formulation in an amount of <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, preferably in an amount of <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, more preferably <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, yet more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. Preferably, the aqueous formulation comprises <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % tiotropium equivalent, more preferably <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % tiotropium equivalent, preferably tiotropium bromide. Typically, tiotropium equivalent is present in the aqueous formulation in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The pharmaceutically acceptable salt is selected from the group consisting of fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, C1-C4alkyl sulfate, sulfate, hydrogen sulfate, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, nitrate, maleate, acetate, trifluoroacetate, citrate, fumarate, tartrate, oxalate, succinate and benzoate. The tiotropium equivalent maybe anhydrous or a monohydrate. Preferably, the tiotropium equivalent is a monohydrate. More preferably, the tiotropium equivalent is tiotropium bromide monohydrate, or tiotropium chloride monohydrate, most preferably tiotropium bromide monohydrate.

In a preferred embodiment, the container contains an aqueous formulation for use in the treatment of a skin disease, said treatment comprising topically administering to a human patient an aqueous formulation comprising, by weight of the total formulation: <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % tiotropium equivalent; <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % aqueous phase; dermatologically acceptable pH adjustment agent comprising citrate, wherein the formulation has a pH in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> at <NUM>. The skin disease may for instance be primary or secondary hyperhidrosis.

<FIG> respectively show an isometric front view and an isometric back view of an underarm spray delivery device <NUM> according to the invention in an open and in a closed position. <FIG> shows an exploded view of the same device in the open position. The underarm spray delivery device <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> enveloping a pump <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that is in fluid connection with a container <NUM> (also shown in <FIG>) which contains a medically active ingredient. The medically active ingredient may be for treating hyperhidrosis, and is typically intended to be sprayed, via spray dispensing orifice <NUM> of the pump <NUM> along its spray axis S, only onto a person's underarm or armpit. Contact with other parts of the person's body, and especially inhalation of the medically active ingredient, is generally to be avoided. The housing <NUM> comprises a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM> hingeably connected to the first part <NUM>, as well as a flexible shroud <NUM> which is attached to both the first part <NUM> and the second part and which has a circumferential distal edge <NUM>. The second part <NUM> is hingeable around axis of rotation R relative to the first part <NUM> between an open position, shown in <FIG> and a closed position, shown in <FIG>. When in the open position, a person can place the shroud <NUM> with its circumferential distal edge <NUM> against his or her armpit over an intended area of skin that is to be treated with spray. In this manner a volume defined by the area of skin, the shroud and the first and second part is substantially sealed against escape of spray, so that inadvertent inhalation of the spray and contact of the spray with skin other than the intended area of skin may substantially be avoided. Inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second part are partially covered with corresponding layers <NUM>,<NUM> of liquid absorbing material.

The first housing part <NUM> and second housing part <NUM> each comprise a distal edge <NUM>, <NUM> in contact with the circumferential distal edge of the shroud <NUM> is.

The device <NUM> can be folded such that the second part <NUM> is rotated relative to the first part <NUM> around the axis of rotation R from the closed position to the open position or vice versa, by a person touching only the exterior surfaces of the housing. During regular use, a person's fingers do not have to come into contact with inner surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second part and the shroud, which face a side of the device where spray may adhere, i.e. a "wet side" of the device.

<FIG> shows an exploded view of the device <NUM> of <FIG>, in which the container <NUM> and pump <NUM> are more clearly visible. The container has a circumferential portion <NUM> that is proximal to the spray orifice <NUM>, and an end surface <NUM> at the opposite distal end of the container. When in the assembled state show in <FIG>, a body <NUM> surrounds at least a portion of the pump <NUM> on a side of the pump facing away from the container <NUM>. The body <NUM> is provided with a recessed edge <NUM> for partially abutting and accommodating therein an outer surface of nozzle <NUM> in which the spray orifice <NUM> is arranged, so that, in the assembled state, the pump <NUM> is rotationally fixed with respect to the body <NUM>, and end surface <NUM> of the body abuts end surface <NUM> of the second part. In this manner the end surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> as well as the end surface <NUM> of the pump that is in contact therewith, are prevented from sliding out of the device at the side of end surface <NUM>, and it is ensured that the spray orifice <NUM> of the pump <NUM> remains aligned with the opening O of the first housing part <NUM>.

When assembled, the container <NUM> is translatable relative to the first and second housing portion <NUM>, <NUM> along the axis of rotation R, so that pressing end surface <NUM> of the container towards the pump <NUM> causes actuation of the pump so that the active ingredient is sprayed out of dispensing orifice <NUM>.

In order to prevent the device, when closed, from inadvertently opening, the first and second housing portion <NUM> and <NUM> are provided with a locking mechanism <NUM>, <NUM>. When the device is in the closed position shown in <FIG>, sliding button <NUM>, which is biased to the locked position shown in <FIG>, has to be moved along direction U which is normal to the axis of rotation R, so that part of the button <NUM> is moved out of corresponding notch <NUM> in the first housing portion, in this manner allowing the second housing portion to be rotated to the open position shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first housing part <NUM> is provided with a see-through portion window <NUM>, which allows a view of transparent circumferential surface <NUM> of the container <NUM>, so that a can easily see the extent to which the container <NUM> is filed with aqueous solution containing the medically active ingredient.

<FIG> show a detail of the same device, with the first housing portion omitted to show that the device is provided with a blocking mechanism <NUM>,<NUM> for preventing actuation of the pump when the second part <NUM> is in the closed position. The blocking mechanism comprises a groove <NUM> which extends in outer surface of the container <NUM> and parallel to the axis of rotation R. The blocking mechanism further comprises an protrusion <NUM> that is part of the body <NUM> and which is adapted for fitting in the groove <NUM>. In <FIG>, the second portion <NUM> is shown in the closed position in which the distal edge <NUM> of shroud <NUM> is folded onto itself. In this position, the protrusion <NUM> is out of alignment with respect to the groove <NUM>, with a distal end of the protrusion <NUM> contacting edge <NUM> of the container which blocks movement of the surface <NUM> of container <NUM> towards the spray orifice. inadvertent actuation of the pump when the device is in the closed position is thus prevented. <FIG> shows the device in the open position, in which the protrusion <NUM> is aligned with and partially inserted in the groove <NUM>, allowing the surface <NUM> to be pressed towards the spray opening to actuate the pump <NUM>.

<FIG> further show a spring <NUM> connected to both the first housing part <NUM> (not shown) and the second housing part, and biases the second housing part towards the open position. Thus, when sliding button <NUM> is moved out of the notch <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), the device will open without the user having to touch the edge <NUM> of the shroud <NUM>.

The pump and container are releasably arranged within the housing, allowing these to be replaced, e.g. to refill the container or replace an empty container with another container that is filled with medically active ingredient. During general use, though the container can slide within the housing, both the container and pump are prevented from sliding completely out of the housing. <FIG> illustrates how this may be achieved by means of a latch <NUM> which catches inward facing edge <NUM> of the second housing part when the second housing part is in the open position. The latch <NUM> is attached, e.g. directly or via body <NUM> - in particular via protrusion <NUM> of the body, to the pump <NUM> in such a manner that the latch <NUM> is translationally fixed with respect to the pump <NUM>. When the second housing part <NUM> is in the open position shown, it catches against inward facing edge <NUM> of the second housing part in this manner preventing the pump <NUM> from sliding out of the housing. When the second housing part <NUM> is moved to the closed position, the latch <NUM> will align with recess <NUM> in the first housing part in such a manner that the latch no longer catches edge <NUM>, allowing the pump can be removed from the housing, e.g.by pulling on the container and/or which gently pushing the latch radially inward and sliding the latch towards open end <NUM> of the second housing part <NUM>, which open end <NUM> is of a dimension for allowing the container <NUM> and pump to pass therethrough. By ensuring that the pump and/or container can only be replaced and/or removed when the housing is closed, the risk of a user inadvertently coming into contact with medically active ingredient is further reduced.

<FIG> and <FIG> show cross-sectional view of the underarm spray delivery device of <FIG> though a plane normal to the axis of rotation R and through the spray dispensing orifice <NUM>, respectively in an open position and in a closed position. When in the open position shown in <FIG>, the curvature of the circumferential edge <NUM> allows the device to be placed with said edge against a person's armpit with the edge in contact with the person's skin along substantially the entire length of the edge. In the open position the spray axis S is substantially equidistant from the distal edges <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second housing parts <NUM>, <NUM>. In the closed position shown in <FIG>, the spray axis S intersects the second housing part <NUM>, and is located closer to the distal edge <NUM> of the second housing part than to the distal edge of the first housing part. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that upon opening and closing of the device, the second housing part moves with respect to the spray axis S, while the first housing part remains stationary with respect to the spray axis S.

<FIG> shows a front view of the device of the invention in the open position, in which a virtual circle C having radius X of <NUM>,<NUM> is schematically drawn. As can be seen, the spray axis S, which is shown here normal to the viewing direction, is spaced apart by at least the radius X from the circumferential edge <NUM> of the shroud <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A hand-held underarm spray delivery device (<NUM>), comprising:
a container (<NUM>) for containing medically active ingredient;
an actuatable pump (<NUM>) connected to the container and comprising a spray dispensing orifice (<NUM>) with a spray axis (S), wherein the pump is adapted for upon actuation releasing a spray comprising the medically active ingredient through said orifice along the spray axis;
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a first part (<NUM>), a second part (<NUM>), and a shroud (<NUM>) attached to the first and the second part, wherein the pump (<NUM>) is arranged within the housing (<NUM>), and wherein the first part and/or the second part is provided with an opening (O) aligned with the spray dispensing orifice for allowing spray released through the dispensing orifice to pass through,
characterized in that said shroud is flexible and in that
the second part (<NUM>) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (R) relative to the first part (<NUM>) between an open position in which spray can pass out of the housing, and a closed position in which spray is prevented from passing out of the housing.