Foot pedal for automated dump station

Abstract

A foot pedal mechanism for an automated dump station includes a safety release functionality so that when the foot pedal is secured in a closed position and excessive force is applied to the foot pedal, the foot pedal and the locking mechanisms are not damaged.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to automated sanitary dump stations of the type used by recreational vehicle users, and more particularly, to a foot pedal that provides access to a sanitary waste storage container.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to the use of an automated sanitary dump station. The primary users of this invention will be recreational vehicle (RV) users or operators who need to safely, effectively and efficiently dispose of sanitary waste collected in on-board RV sanitary tank or tanks. The present invention provides RV operators with a means for transferring the collected waste to a dump station at any time without the need for the dump station to be monitored by a clerk or attendant.

There are numerous types of recreational vehicles (RVs)—coming in all shapes and sizes. For the discussion of the present invention, the term recreational vehicle (RV) will include any type of motorized vehicle, camper, motor home, or trailer (an unpowered vehicle pulled by a powered vehicle) that has the facility to collect waste in an on-board sanitary tank. The collection of waste in on-board tanks has been part of the RV's history for decades. See U.S. Pat. No. 2,743,955, Housekeeping Structure, C. D. Willson, issued May 1, 1956. Most commercially made RVs have the facilities to collect waste in on-board sanitary tanks. Typically, sanitary tanks are located in RVs that have either a kitchen or bathroom or both. Sanitary tanks collect the waste and waste water generated in the on-board kitchen or bathroom.

After the waste is collected in the on-board sanitary tanks, the owner or operator will need to transfer the waste from the on-board tank to a proper sewer receptacle, by flushing (gravity drain), pumping or blowing the one or more sanitary tanks into either a waste tank or sewage connection. Currently, RV operators rely upon several means for disposing of the onboard waste. One method for disposing of the waste within the waste tank is to locate a dump station and transfer the waste from the on-board sanitary tanks to the dump station tanks or sewage system.

Dump stations are located throughout the world. In the United States there are over 2,000 dump stations according to the RVer's Guide to Dump Stations published in 2007 by Roundabout Publications. The Guide provides the location and direction to over 2,000 dump stations. These dump stations are primarily located at truck stops, travel centers, city and county parks, camping grounds, RV parks, gas stations, rest areas, and other locations. Currently, many of the dump stations are free to use with an ever increasing number of stations requiring a fee for use of the dump station.

The cost of operating a dump station has been going up and there are fewer and fewer free dump stations. The cost of the dump station is related to the cost of attending to the dump station (clerk or attendant) and the cost for disposing of any waste collected or disposed, for example; city sewer costs. It has been noted by the inventor that the number of dump stations appears to be decreasing and the number of free dump stations is fewer and fewer each year. The reduction in the number of dump stations and the increase of pay to use dump station increasing each year are due to the increase cost of disposing of the waste dumped at the dump station.

In the past, the location and operation of the dump stations were mutually beneficial with commercial operations located at the same place, with commercial operators benefiting from the business provided by the RV operator who needed to transfer waste at the dump station. As the cost of disposal or removal of the waste from RVs has increased, the cost for operating the dump station has become less lucrative to the associated commercial enterprise. In response to this escalation of costs and fees for operating a dump station, businesses that operate the dump station have started to impose fees or shut down the dump station.

It has been noted by the inventor that the collection of fees has been done by attendants or clerks who are operating the commercial enterprise associated with the dump station. RV operators make the payment to the attendant or clerk and then assist or allow the RV operator to dispose of the waste at the dump station. When the attendant or clerk is not available or the business associated with the dump station is not open, it is not uncommon for the dump station to be closed and locked—preventing the RV operator from disposing of the waste. This results in the RV operator either finding another dump station or waiting for the dump station to open. The commercial enterprise loses the opportunity to collect fees for the use of the dump station.

In addition to doing business up to 24 hours a day with an automated self service sanitary dump station, the commercial enterprise associated with the dump station does not have to employ an attendant or clerk to provide the oversight to run the dump station.

Many states and municipalities have codes and regulations for operating a dump station, including; Minnesota (MRC 47 19), Ohio (OAC 3701-26-14), Illinois (Title 77 Chap. 1 Sec. 905.150) to name a few. One source of increased costs for operating a dump station is the additional regulations that are imposed by owners and operators of the dump stations.

The present invention provides the operator of a dump station with a means for collecting fees at any time while eliminating or minimizing the need for an attendant or clerk being present when the RV operator needs to use the dump station. A self serve automated dump station that allows the operator of the RV to transfer waste from the on-board waste tank(s) to the dump station is provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A self service automated dump station is provided using a means to collect and register a payment with a signal generated once a payment has been generated that repositions a latch in a latching mechanism securing a locking cap that sits upon a dump station inlet line. When the latch is repositioned from a locked position to an unlocked position, the locking cap is removed from atop the drain line and exposing the drain line to allow the transfer of waste from an onboard waste tank to the drain line via a sanitary hose. The repositioning of the locking cap can be accomplished by means of hydraulic forces, electrical motors, or mechanical linkages. In one embodiment provided, the removable cap is lifted from the dump station inlet line by a remote foot actuator. Using the remote foot actuator provides for a cleaner and more efficient means for inserting the sanitary hose from the vehicles waste tank into the dump station inlet line. Money payment can be either made by cash or by credit or debit cards. The operation of the dump station is made more efficient and requires fewer interactions between the RV operator and the dump station operator. Remote sensors can also be deployed to minimize the possibility of spillage or over-fill of the dump station if the dump station is not hooked up to a sewer system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the control system for operation of the self service automated dump station.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the automated dump station showing the dump station with a drain line, a lockable cap, lever, fulcrum, pivoting arm, remote foot actuator, and control panel.

FIG. 3 is a partial end view of the lever, pivoting arm, pivoting pin, fulcrum, and latching mechanism with the latch in the locked position.

FIG. 4 is a partial end view of the lever, pivoting arm, pivoting pin, fulcrum, and latching mechanism with the latch in the unlocked position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective and exploded view showing the components of an alternative embodiment of a foot pedal mechanism used in conjunction with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the food pedal mechanism shown in FIG. 5, illustrating portions of the dump station and dump station drain line, with the foot pedal shown in solid lines in the closed position and in phantom lines in an open position.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the foot pedal mechanism shown in FIG. 5 and illustrating a safety release mechanism that prevents damage to the foot pedal and the locking systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described. The following descriptions provide specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these embodiments. Additionally, some structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail, so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description of the various aspects and embodiments of the invention.

The terminology used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasized herein; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

In FIG. 1 a block diagram illustrates the Operational Flow Chart used for the operation of the self service automated dump station. In following the flow chart, the operation of the automated dump station can be explained. Prior to starting the operation of the automated dump station, the RV operator will need to position the vehicle or trailer next to a dump station 40, see FIG. 2., and in close enough proximity so the operator is able to run a sewer or sanitary hose from the RV's holding tanks to a dump station's drain line 41. A drain line 41 is the surface or above ground inlet for a waste tank or a connection to a sewer line located below the dump station.

The RV holding tanks typically consists of two types of holding tanks; a grey water tank and a black water tank. The grey water tank is for waste and water from kitchen and bathroom sinks and bathroom shower drain water. The black water tank is for the toilet waste. Typically, the RV is equipped with an extendable sanitary hose that is connected to either the gray or dark tank or a common drain line. When the operator is sufficiently close enough to run the sanitary hose to the dump station drain line, the operator will position the sanitary hose into the drain line 41 of the dump station 40.

The present invention eliminates the need for the RV operator to interface with an attendant or clerk to transfer the waste from the holding tanks to the dump station. The RV operator is able to use the automated dump station at any time for a fee. It is not uncommon for dump stations to be locked or closed down if the associated business is closed. With an automated system, the dump station can be open 24 hours a day every day of the year.

When the RV operator has properly positioned the RV and the sanitary hose is ready to be inserted into the dump station drain line 41, the RV operator engages with a control panel 50 to start the process of transferring the waste. In one embodiment the control panel could have the following items: lights or indicators 52 for the various locking or latching mechanisms; instructions 51 to operate the automated dump station; and switches, buttons or keypads 53 to make a payments for using the automated dump station. In one embodiment, the control panel has an indicator light or switch position for a latch 31 in a latching mechanism 30, FIG. 3; a slot or slots for depositing cash or coins for using the dump station; and. a means for making a payment by a credit or debit card. Another embodiment uses a liquid crystal display screen for making payments and operating the automated dump station. The liquid crystal display system could be connected to a microprocessor by pressure switches located under the display for facilitating the interface between the operator and the bank or monetary system to be accessed.

The microprocessor would then be able to interface with either the internet or a phone line for recording the appropriate payment. The present invention makes no claim on the operation of a touch screen LCD and microprocessor and the operations that are programmed into the microprocessor or made part of the microprocessor. There are many mechanical or electrical means for recording a payment to activate.

Other means for electronically activating the latching mechanism 30 are available to be employed and the description of the present invention is not meant to limit the claims associated with operation of the automated dump station.

Prior to making a payment, an indicator light or switch could be used to show the latch 31 in the latching mechanism 30 is in the “locked” position, see FIG. 3. When the latch 31 is in the locked position, a locking cap 21 is locked into place over the drain line 41 of the dump station, see FIG. 2. After the payment has been made or registered, an indicator light or switch will display the latching mechanism 30 in the “unlocked” state. See FIG. 4. The RV operator is then able to lift the locking cap 21 situated over the drain line 41 of the dump station 40 and inserts the sanitary hose into the drain line. Once the sanitary hose is in place, the RV operator then transfers the waste into the dump station drain line by a pump, a pressurized blow or gravity.

The present invention could also be configured such that the locking cap 21 automatically is lifted off the drain line of the dump station once the RV operator has registered a payment. In the present invention, the RV operator causes the locking cap 21 to be lifted off the drain line by use of a remote actuator or remote foot actuator 24.

The instructions on the control panel 50 will inform the RV operator that the once the payment has been made, the latching mechanism 30 will remain “unlocked” for a set period of time. In one embodiment of the invention, the latching mechanism 30 is left in the unlocked position for approximately two minutes. The RV operator upon removing the locking cap 21 places the sanitary hose into the drain line preventing the locking cap 21 from being placed in the closed position over the drain line. The RV operator is provided approximately two minutes after making the payment to remove or lift the locking cap 21 from the drain line and inserting the sanitary hose. After the twenty seconds is over, an electronic solenoid 32 that has repositioned the latch 31 in the latching mechanism 30 to the unlocked position is de-powered and the latch 31 returns to the locked position. While the operation of transferring the waste can take some time, the latching mechanism 30 is re-positioned such that when the locking cap 21 is replaced over the drain line the locking cap 21 will be locked shut over the drain line.

When the transfer of waste is completed, the sanitary hose is removed from the drain line and the locking cap 21 is replaced over the drain line with the latching mechanism 30 locking the locking cap 21 in a closed position. On the control panel, indicators can show the latching mechanism 30 to be in the locked position and the locking cap 21 in the closed position.

Presently at most dump stations, a cap or cover is typically placed over the drain line. The cap or cover is generally hinged in place and can pivot off the drain line exposing the drain line for the insertion of the sanitary hose. At some dump stations, the cap or cover may not be hinged but able to be removed prior to dumping waste. When the dumping operation is completed the cap or cover is replaced. On some dump stations, a lock is placed on the cap or cover when the dump station is not in use or the dump station is closed—for example, when an associated business, like a gas station, is closed. In the present invention, the use of the dump station is not dependent upon an assistant or clerk to use the dump station. The dump station is able to be used at any time and without the need for an assistant or clerk.

In the present invention, the cap or cover is replaced by the locking cap 21 which is secured in place by the latching mechanism 30 in the closed position and which are components of a foot pedal mechanism 20. See FIGS. 2 and 3. The locking cap 21 and latching mechanism 30 can come in different forms or designs that replicate the same function as the figures depict. It is intended that the present invention not be limited by the design pictured or detailed in the figures.

When the RV operator makes or registers a payment, a switch activates the latching mechanism 30 and the latch 31 is unlocked—see FIG. 4, the locking cap 21 is able to be lifted off the drain line. The means for activating the latching mechanism 30 in the present invention is by use of switch that allows electrical power to energize a solenoid 32 causing the latch 31 to reposition itself in the latching mechanism 30. When the solenoid 32 is not powered, the latch 31 is in the locked position and when the locking cap 21 is over the drain line, the latch 31 secures keeps the locking cap 21 securely over the drain line preventing use of the dump station until a payment has been registered.

Once the payment has been made and the latching mechanism 30 is unlocked and the locking cap 21 is lifted off the drain line by operating a remote foot actuator 24, see FIGS. 2 and 3. The RV operator places his or her foot on the foot actuator and the locking cap 21 is pivoted off the drain line exposing the drain line for the operator to insert the sanitary hose for dumping.

In one embodiment, see FIG. 2, the locking cap 21 and remote foot actuator 24 are deployed on a lever 22 type design with the locking cap 21 and remote foot actuator 24 being at opposite ends of the lever 22 with a fulcrum 25 placed between the locking cap 21 and the remote foot actuator 24, see FIGS. 2 and 3. The locking cap 21 and remote foot actuator 24 are weighted such that the locking cap 21 will return to a closed position—the closed position is the position of the locking cap 21 covering the drain line—when there is no external force supplied to the remote foot actuator 24. To open or lift the locking cap 21 from the drain line a force (or foot) is placed on the remote foot actuator 24 end of the lever 22 causing the locking cap 21 to lift off the drain line. This design is useful in that the operator does not have to use his or her hands to open or lift the locking cap 21—this minimizes the possibility of waste coming into contact with the operator—and allows the operator to use his or her hand for placing the sanitary hose into the exposed drain line.

In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the locking cap 21 and remote foot actuator 24 are pivotally attached to the fulcrum 25 allowing for the locking cap 21 to be raised and lowered over the drain line when the remote foot actuator 24 is stepped on by the RV operator. The fulcrum 25 is attached and secured next to the drain line by anchor bolts 33. The latching mechanism 30 is located below a pivoting support 26 which is attached to the fulcrum 25 by means of a pivoting pin 34. The latch 31, when the latching mechanism 30 is in the locked position, is positioned such that the lever 22 of the locking cap 21 and the remote foot actuator 24 are unable to move or pivot this is accomplished by the latch 31 extending into the body of the pivoting support 26 when the latching mechanism is in the locked position. This restriction of the pivoting motion of the locking cap 21 and remote foot actuator 24 keeps the locking cap 21 in place over the drain line of the dump station. When the latch 31 of the latching mechanism 30 is repositioned into an “unlocked” position—see FIG. 4, for example when the RV operator has registered a payment, the locking cap 21 is free to pivot off the drain line once the operator has placed his or her foot on the remote foot actuator 24.

When the RV operator makes or registers a payment to use the dump station, a signal is generated and sent to a switch allowing the solenoid 32 to be powered for a set period of time—in the preferred embodiment, two minutes. When powered, the solenoid 32 places the latch 31 in an “unlocked” position—FIG. 4. This allows the RV operator to step on the remote foot actuator 24 raising the locking cap 21 off the drain line. The RV operator has two minutes from the time the operator has made the payment to lift the locking cap 21 and insert the sanitary hose into the drain line of the dump station. The solenoid 32 is powered for two minutes to allow the RV operator to open the locking cap 21 and insert the sanitary hose. The solenoid 32 is depowered after the two minutes to reposition the latch 31 in the locked position.

Like many latches, the latch 31 is configured such that the latch is able to slide in and out of the solenoid when the solenoid is depowered—allowing for the pivoting arm 26 to rotate back in place (with the locking cap over the drain line) once the RV operator is completed transferring waste and has removed the sanitary hose. The pivoting arm 26 has a recess, at the point the locking cap 21 is closed over the drain line 41, in which the latch 31 is able to be inserted. With the latch 31 in the recess of the pivoting arm 26, the lever 22 is unable to rotate and the locking cap 21 is secured over the drain line 41 until the solenoid 32 is energized and the latch 31 is repositioned to the unlock position.

Once the transfer has been completed, the RV operator removes the sanitary hose; the locking cap 21 is lowered into place as the RV operator steps off the remote foot actuator 24. When the locking cap 21 is lowered over the drain line the latch 31 catches in the recess of the pivoting arm 26 securing the locking cap 21 into place. The latch 31 operates in a manner similar to other types of latches that are able to slide in due to the design but once the locking cap 21 is lowered the latch 31 is secured in place preventing the locking cap 21 from being lifted until a payment is registered and the solenoid 32 is powered—repositioning the latch 31.

In FIG. 2, power lines 35 are shown running from the control panel toward the latching mechanism. The power lines provide the electricity that powers the solenoid to reposition the latch when the RV operator has registered a payment. The figures depict a solenoid 32 that is powered by an electrical power source—other means for repositioning the latch 31 are possible, including mechanical linkages, or hydraulics and the description provided is not meant to limit the means by which the latch 31 is repositioned once a payment has been registered.

In other embodiments of the invention, the automated dump station has automated sensors that are able to detect with the dump station waste tank is full or unable to collect additional waste. A signal or switch would indicate to a person that attempts to use the automated dump station that the dump station is unable to collect additional waste. A remote sensor could automatically transmit a signal informing the dump station operator or owner that the dump station is unable to collect additional waste. By not allowing additional waste to be collected when the waste tank is full and notifying the dump station operator of the situation minimizes the amount of time in which the dump station is not operable and prevents the spillage of waste from the dump station when too much waste is transferred into the dump station waste tank.

An alternative embodiment of the foot pedal mechanism 20 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 and described above is shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 and is identified generally in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 as foot pedal mechanism 100. For clarity, like structures in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 that are also shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are identified with the same reference numbers. The foot pedal mechanism 100 includes a locking cap 21 at one end of a lever 22. The locking cap 21 is preferably an integral portion of the lever 22 and as shown in the drawings, extends downwardly from the lower side of the lever at one end thereof and functions to occlude access to the drain line 41 (the drain line 41 defines an access tube into the tank 40). As detailed below, a foot actuator 102 that incorporates a safety release mechanism is located at the opposite end of lever 22 from locking cap 21. A fulcrum 25, which defines the point about which lever 22 pivots between open and closed positions, is positioned intermediate along lever 22 between locking cap 21 and foot actuator 102 and as detailed in respect of earlier embodiments, the locking cap 21 and foot actuator 102 are preferably weighted such that the locking cap 21 will return to a closed position when there is no external force applied to the foot actuator 102.

Foot pedal mechanism 100 includes a base 104 to which a solenoid 32 is mounted immediately forward of a pivot support 106 that is configured for receiving fulcrum 25 so that the lever 22 is pivotally mounted to the base 104. As shown in FIG. 6, a pivot pin 34 extends through aligned bores in pivot support 106 and fulcrum 25 to attach the lever 22 to the base. A striker plate 108 is attached to a side plate 110 that extends forwardly along the underside of lever 22 and along one side thereof, as shown in FIG. 5. Striker plate 108 includes an opening 112 into which the latch pin 113 of solenoid 32 extends when the mechanism is locked. As shown in FIG. 5, base 104 is attached to the dump station with appropriate fasteners such as bolts.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the rearward end of fulcrum 25 terminates at a surface 114 that is substantially transverse to the plane defined by the upper surface of lever 22. Actuator pedal 116 is a separate structure that is attached to surface 114 with bolts 118, which extend through openings 120 in actuator pedal 116 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 5) and thread into threaded openings 124 in vertical surface 114.

With reference now to FIG. 6, the assembled foot pedal mechanism 100 is shown in solid lines in the closed position and in phantom lines in the open position. In the closed position, the locking cap 21 closes the drain line 41 of dump station 40, and as noted, in the absence of force applied to actuator pedal 116, the weighted lever 22 naturally returns to the closed position. Foot pedal mechanism 100 is attached to dump station 40 in a position that locking cap 21 closes drain line 41 when the foot pedal mechanism is in the closed position. As described earlier, the foot pedal mechanism is pivotally attached to the fulcrum 25 allowing for the locking cap 21 to be raised and lowered over the drain line 41 when the actuator pedal 102 is stepped on by the RV operator. When the latching mechanism 30 is in the locked position, a latch pin 113 of solenoid 32 extends into opening 112 in striker plate 108, thereby locking the foot pedal mechanism 100 and preventing its movement out of the closed position until such time that the solenoid 32 and latch pin 113 are released. As detailed earlier, when the solenoid pin (i.e., latch pin 113) of the latching mechanism 30 is repositioned into an “unlocked” position, for example when the RV operator has registered a payment, the locking cap 21 is free to pivot off the drain line once the operator has placed his or her foot on the actuator pedal 102.

It has been observed that some users who may be unfamiliar with an automated dump station as described herein may, for a variety of reasons, apply a significant amount of force on the foot pedal when trying to open the drain line. When the foot pedal is in the closed position and the latching mechanism is locked, and excessive force is applied to the foot pedal, it is possible that the foot pedal or other components could be damaged. For instance, the pedal itself could be broken or the fulcrum or solenoid may be damaged. Accordingly, the foot pedal mechanism 100 shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 incorporates a safety release mechanism 122 that is defined by the separate actuator pedal 116 bolted to the surface 114. Specifically, actuator pedal 116 is manufactured from a resilient material such as rubber or other appropriate deformable material that under normal usage conditions functions identically to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 (which utilizes a single piece, metallic lever 22). However, if the foot pedal mechanism 100 is closed and locked, and a user applies excessive force to actuator pedal 116, the resilient material “gives” slightly so that damage to the mechanism 100 is avoided. For instance, when excessive force is applied to actuator pedal 116 when the foot pedal mechanism is locked, because the pedal 116 is fabricated from a resilient material, the pedal deforms as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 7. Thus, the foot pedal mechanism 100 remains in the closed and locked position with the solenoid remaining locked and the locking cap remaining in the closed position, but the foot pedal deforms so that none of the mechanisms are damaged. When the resilient actuator pedal 116 thus deforms, it functions to relieve pressure on the lever 22 and the locking mechanisms.

It will be appreciated that there are numerous structures that may be used to define a safety release mechanism that functions equivalently to the resilient actuator pedal 116 described above. For example, the actuator pedal could be hingedly attached to the lever with a detent that releases when force that exceeds some predetermined threshold is applied to the pedal. As another example, the actuator could be attached to the lever in any appropriate fashion, including bonding the two pieces together with appropriate adhesives. As yet another example, it is possible to form the entire lever from a single monolithic member fabricated from a rubber or other resilient material. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that numerous other structures will work as a safety release.

With returning reference to FIG. 5, the lower portion of the locking cap 21—that is, the portion of the locking cap that fits into the drain line 21, is generally rounded and sized to “plug” or “seal” the drain tube (which has a circular cross section) when the mechanism 100 is in the closed position. A series of grooves 132 are arranged around the outer surface periphery of the locking cap and define vents that allow interchange of gas and liquid from within the tank to the exterior and vice versa. Thus, when the mechanism 100 is in the closed position and the locking cap is plugging (i.e., occluding) the drain tube as shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface of the locking cap abuts the inner edge of the top of the drain tube, but the grooves 132 allow for two-way inflow and outflow of gas and liquid.

Finally, a relief port 130 is formed in the lower edge of the locking cap 21 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to define a drain opening into the sewage tank. Relief port 130 is an open section formed in the locking cap 21 that is positioned such that when the mechanism is in the closed position (FIG. 6) the opening defined by the relief port spans the upper edge of the drain line 21 to define an opening or port into the tank. Specifically, in the event runoff water or other fluid accumulates above and around the tank, the water will flow into the tank through the relief port 130 even though the cap is in the closed position.

While the present invention has been described in terms of preferred and illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill that the spirit and scope of the invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extend to the various modifications and equivalents as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foot pedal for opening and closing an access tube into a sewage tank, comprising: an elongate lever having first and second ends, an upper surface and a plug extending from a lower surface at the first end of said elongate lever;a fulcrum between the first and second ends to allow the elongate lever to be pivoted about the fulcrum between a closed position in which the plug occludes the access tube into said sewage tank and an open position;a resilient actuator at the second end of the elongate lever;a locking mechanism for locking the lever in the closed position; andwherein when said lever is in the closed position the outer surface of said plug abuts an inner edge of the access tube, and said plug further comprises plural vents on said outer surface that define openings into said sewage tank between said plug and said access tube, and wherein when the lever is locked in the closed position and force is applied to the resilient actuator, said resilient actuator deforms.

2. The foot pedal according to claim 1 wherein when said resilient actuator deforms, pressure applied to said lever is relieved.

3. The foot pedal according to claim 1 wherein said resilient actuator is fabricated from rubber.

4. The foot pedal according to claim 1 wherein said plural vents are defined by plural elongate grooves formed into said outer surface of said plug.

5. The foot pedal according to claim 1 including a drain opening formed into said plug, said drain opening positioned on said plug to span an upper edge of said access tube when said lever is in the closed position.

6. The foot pedal according to claim 5 wherein the drain opening defines a port in said plug and positioned such that said port is open when said lever is in the closed position.

7. The foot pedal according to claim 1 in combination with an automated dump station comprising a drain line, a control assembly configured to accept and register a monetary payment and generate a signal in response to registration of a monetary payment, wherein the signal controls locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism.

8. A foot pedal for opening and closing a circular access tube into a sewage tank, comprising: an elongate lever having a generally planar upper surface and an opposite lower surface, a first end with a generally rounded access tube plug extending from the lower surface, and a second end configured for a user to step upon;a pivot member between the first and second ends to allow the elongate lever to be pivoted between a closed position in which an outer surface of the generally rounded access tube plug abuts an upper edge of the circular access tube to thereby occlude the access tube into said sewage tank, and an open position;a lock for securing the elongate lever in the closed position; anda deformable foot pad at the second end of the elongate lever, wherein when the elongate lever is secured in the locked position and a user steps upon the deformable foot pad, the deformable foot pad deforms to thereby decrease the pressure applied by the user's foot to the elongate lever; andwherein when said access tube plug further comprises at least one opening formed in said plug in a position such that said opening spans the upper edge of the access tube when said lever is in the closed position to define a port into said sewage tank when said elongate lever is in the closed position.

9. The foot pedal according to claim 8 wherein said access tube plug further comprises by plural elongate grooves formed into an outer surface of said access tube plug.