Hand sanitizer and dispenser

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing hand sanitizer powder includes a base, a container supported on the base and including the hand sanitizer powder therein, and a tray coupled to the base beneath the container. The tray includes an opening. The dispenser also includes a body at least partially positioned within the tray and rotatable about an axis. The body includes at least one compartment exposed to an outer periphery of the body. The body is rotatable between a first position, in which the compartment is in facing relationship with the container to receive the hand sanitizer powder therefrom, and a second position, in which the compartment is aligned the opening in the tray for dispensing the hand sanitizer powder through the opening.

1 . A dispenser for dispensing hand sanitizer powder, comprising:
 a base;   a container removably supported on the base and including the hand sanitizer powder therein;   a tray coupled to the base beneath the container, the tray including an opening; and   a body at least partially positioned within the tray and rotatable about an axis, the body including at least one compartment exposed to an outer periphery of the body and rotatable between a first position, in which the compartment is in facing relationship with the container to receive the hand sanitizer powder therefrom, and a second position, in which the compartment is aligned with the opening in the tray for dispensing the hand sanitizer powder through the opening.   
     
     
         2 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the body is a paddle wheel including at least two paddles at least partially defining therebetween the compartment. 
     
     
         3 . The dispenser of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the paddles is engageable with an inner peripheral surface of the tray as the paddle wheel is rotated between the first and second positions. 
     
     
         4 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the compartment is a first compartment, and wherein the body includes a second compartment exposed to the outer periphery of the body and angularly spaced from the first compartment. 
     
     
         5 . The dispenser of  claim 4 , wherein the second compartment is in facing relationship with the container to receive the hand sanitizer powder therefrom when the body is in the second position to align the first compartment with the opening in the tray. 
     
     
         6 . The dispenser of  claim 5 , wherein the second compartment is angularly spaced from the first compartment by about  180  degrees. 
     
     
         7 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the container includes an inlet/outlet port through which the hand sanitizer powder is transferred. 
     
     
         8 . The dispenser of  claim 7 , wherein the base includes an aperture in which the inlet/outlet port is at least partially received. 
     
     
         9 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein the container includes a lower surface surrounding the inlet/outlet port, and wherein the base includes an upper surface surrounding the aperture and having a contour complementary to that of the lower surface. 
     
     
         10 . The dispenser of  claim 8 , wherein the compartment is in facing relationship with the aperture when the body is in the first position. 
     
     
         11 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising an electric motor drivably coupled to the body for rotating the body between the first and second positions. 
     
     
         12 . The dispenser of  claim 11 , further comprising a sensor electrically connected to the motor for detecting an individual's hands beneath the opening in the tray. 
     
     
         13 . The dispenser of  claim 12 , wherein the sensor electrically connects the motor with a power source upon detecting an individual's hands beneath the opening in the tray. 
     
     
         14 . The dispenser of  claim 11 , wherein the sensor is one of an optical sensor and a proximity sensor. 
     
     
         15 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising a manual actuator drivably coupled to the body for rotating the body between the first and second positions. 
     
     
         16 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the container includes a handle. 
     
     
         17 . The dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the base is secured to a support surface, and wherein the container is supported atop the base in an unsecured manner. 
     
     
         18 - 28 . (canceled)