Ratcheted toilet seat and lid

Abstract

The present invention provides a toilet comprising a locking component that locks a toilet component (e.g. a toilet seat or toilet lid) in an open, closed, or intermediate position. The holding or locking of the toilet component can be provided by a hinge, a spring, or some other appropriate manner.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A toilet, comprising a locking component that locks a toilet component in an open, closed, or intermediate position.  
     
     
         2 . The toilet of  claim 1  further comprising bumpers coupled to a lid.  
     
     
         3 . The toilet of  claim 1 , wherein the toilet component is a seat.  
     
     
         4 . The toilet of  claim 1 , wherein the toilet component is a lid.  
     
     
         5 . The toilet of  claim 2 , wherein the bumpers are comprised of rubber.  
     
     
         6 . The toilet of  claim 1 , wherein the locking component comprises a hinge assembly.  
     
     
         7 . The toilet of  claim 6 , wherein the hinge assembly comprises ratchets.  
     
     
         8 . The toilet of  claim 6 , wherein the hinge assembly comprises a spring.  
     
     
         9 . The toilet of  claim 1 , further comprising a release mechanism that releases the toilet component from the open, closed, or intermediate position.