Battery bidet

Abstract

A bidet assembly comprising a toilet seat; a nozzle assembly; a water heater; and a battery assembly, wherein the battery assembly comprises a rechargeable battery configured to electrically couple to the water heater, the water heater is configured to heat cold source water and to provide warm cleansing water to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprises one or more spray nozzles, and the one or more spray nozzles are configured to direct the warm cleansing water towards an underside of a user positioned on the toilet seat.

Description

[0001] Battery Bidet

[0002] The disclosure relates to bidets, in particular to battery-powered bidets including hybrid manual / battery-powered bidets.

[0003] Background

[0004] Conventional bidets are personal hygiene plumbing fixtures configured to be installed on a toilet. Bidets may comprise a nozzle for spraying cleansing water on a user, a conduit for directing water to a nozzle, a control panel, and a toilet seat.

[0005] To provide advanced bidet functionality, including for example a heated toilet seat, and adjustable water temperature, bidets require electric power. Advanced bidets typically include an electric water heater to heat cold source water, a tank to store heated water, and an electric toilet seat heater. Accordingly, a bidet having advanced features requires that a toilet on which it is to be installed is nearby an electric outlet. However, many bathrooms do not have an electric outlet conveniently located close to a toilet for a bidet to plug into. Desired is a bidet having electric power to provide for warm cleansing water without using a wired power connection.

[0006] Summary

[0007] Accordingly, disclosed is a bidet assembly comprising a toilet seat; a nozzle assembly; a water heater; and a battery assembly, wherein the battery assembly comprises a rechargeable battery configured to electrically couple to the water heater, the water heater is configured to heat cold source water and to provide warm cleansing water to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprises one or more spray nozzles, and the one or more spray nozzles are configured to direct the warm cleansing water towards an underside of a user positioned on the toilet seat.

[0008] A present bidet assembly may be a “hybrid” assembly, configured to operate with or without electric power (i.e. in an electric power mode or in a manual mode). Electric power mode may mean battery power mode, and manual mode may mean without electric power.

[0009] 1

[0010] PH4377WO01 When in a manual mode, a present bidet assembly may operate as a conventional manual bidet.

[0011] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0013] Fig. 1A shows a bidet positioned on a toilet, according to an embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 1B shows a battery assembly, according to an embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 1C provides a view of a bidet positioned on a toilet, according to an embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 2 shows a schematic of a bidet assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0017] Detailed Description

[0018] Fig. 1A shows bidet assembly 100A positioned on toilet bowl 101. Toilet bowl 101 is coupled to toilet tank 102, configured to store flush water and to deliver flush water to toilet bowl 101 . Bidet assembly 100A comprises lid 103. Positioned under lid 103 is a toilet seat (not visible). Positioned towards a side of lid 103 is control panel 104. Control panel 104 comprises water spray control knob 106. Control knob 106 may be configured to be rotated to determine a spray nozzle position, i.e. towards a user’s front underside (genital region) or a user’s rear underside (anal region), as well as a water pressure. Control panel 104 may comprise other buttons or switches 107, for example to determine a spray water temperature or to indicate a battery life. Rechargeable battery 105 is shown coupled to an underside of control panel 104.

[0019] Fig. 1B shows battery assembly 100B, comprising rechargeable battery 105 and magnetic charging dock 108, which is shown plugged into an electric outlet by wire 109. The electric outlet may be positioned in a bathroom housing bidet assembly 100A, and may for example be on a bathroom wall and / or at or near a vanity or medicine cabinet. Fig. 1C shows bidet assembly 100A positioned on toilet bowl 101 , with lid 103 in an open position. Visible are bidet toilet seat 110 and spray nozzle 111 , shown in an extended position. Spray nozzle 111 is

[0020] 2

[0021] PH4377WO01 configured to be extended and to be placed in a position to direct cleansing water to a user’s front or rear underside, and to be retracted to a non-use position.

[0022] Fig. 2 provides a schematic view of bidet assembly 200A, according to some embodiments. Inlet 225 is configured to receive cold source water from a cold water line. The cold water line may be the same as that configured to supply water to a toilet water tank; for example, a standard T connection may be employed to direct cold source water to both a toilet water tank and bidet assembly inlet 225. Cold source water inlet 225 may contain a filter, e.g. a screen filter. Downstream of inlet 225 is pressure regulator 226, configured to protect system 200A from excessive water pressure. Downstream of pressure regulator 226 is vacuum breaker 227; and further downstream is water storage tank 228, which is pressurized from source water pressure. Water storage tank 228 may be configured to hold at least about 600 mL cleansing water, and is fluidly coupled to water heater 229. Water heater 229 may comprise an in-line ceramic heater configured to deliver on-demand warm water. Control knob 206 is configured to be positioned on a control panel (not shown) and is fluidly coupled to and downstream of water heater 229. In an embodiment, control knob 206 is configured to be rotated in a first direction to select a front wash nozzle position, and to be rotated in a second direction to select a rear wash nozzle position. In an embodiment, a degree of rotation of control knob 206 may be configured to choose a cleansing water pressure. In an embodiment, an initial rotation of control knob 206 may provide for purging of standing water downstream of tank 228 and heater 229 and for cleaning of nozzle assembly 211. The connecting lines and arrows of Fig. 2 may represent elements are fluidly coupled and in flow communication.

[0023] A present bidet assembly comprises a toilet seat, a nozzle assembly, a water heater, a battery assembly, and a control panel. A battery assembly comprises a rechargeable battery, for example a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery. In some embodiments, a rechargeable battery may be configured to directly couple to an underside of a control panel in- use; the control panel itself may be positioned at a side of the bidet assembly. A battery assembly may comprise a charging dock configured to be plugged into an electric outlet and to be positioned on a bathroom wall at a convenient height for the battery to be coupled to and removed from the charging dock.

[0024] In some embodiments, a battery may be magnetically removably coupled to a charging dock and to a control panel. In an embodiment, a battery may be removably coupled to a

[0025] 3

[0026] PH4377WO01 charging dock and to a control panel with one or more magnetic spring-loaded connectors, for example magnetic pogo pins. Together with coupling via one or more magnetic spring-loaded connectors, a battery housing may comprise one or more further magnets to aid in removable magnetic coupling to a charging dock and to a control panel. In other embodiments, a battery may be removably coupled to a charging dock and to a control panel with metal electrical contacts and a mechanical connection (e.g. a snap-fit), which may also comprise a release button to battery removal. A charging dock and a control panel are configured to removably electrically couple to (receive) a rechargeable battery in order to charge the battery, and to receive power from the battery, respectively.

[0027] In other embodiments, a battery may be removably coupled to a charging dock and to a bidet assembly with a “slide-in” or “blade-style” coupling (e.g. as in power tools), snap-fit connections, and the like. A battery may be conveniently coupled to a charging dock, and to be removed from the charging dock and electrically coupled to the water heater. Electrically coupled to the water heater may mean positioned at or on a suitable position at the bidet assembly, e.g. on an underside of a control panel on a bidet, at a side, front or rear of a bidet, or other locations.

[0028] In some embodiments, a bidet assembly may comprise one or more of a heated toilet seat, a night light, a warm air dryer, or an automatic open / close toilet lid mechanism. Each of these may be configured to be powered by the rechargeable battery.

[0029] A present bidet assembly may comprise a water storage tank, configured to receive and store cold source water from a cold water line, and to allow the water to come to ambient room temperature. A water storage tank may be configured to hold water under pressure, wherein the pressure may be derived from the cold source water line. A water storage tank may be fluidly coupled to and positioned upstream of a water heater. In some embodiments, a water storage tank may hold a volume of at least about 500 mL, at least about 600 mL, at least about 700 mL, or more, of cleansing water. A water storage tank may comprise a design so that it is configured to efficiently transfer heat from ambient air to stored water, allowing cold source water to come to room temperature quickly. In some embodiments, an assembly may comprise a heat pump to transfer heat from ambient air to stored water.

[0030] 4

[0031] PH4377WO01 The water heater may be an in-line heater configured to deliver on-demand warm cleansing water to a nozzle assembly. A water heater may be an in-line ceramic heater. In some embodiments, a water heater may be positioned downstream of a water storage tank, and upstream of a water spray control knob. A water heater may be configured to be in fluid communication with a water storage tank and a water spray control knob. The rechargeable battery is configured to provide electric power to the water heater. The water heater is configured to heat cold source water on demand. Cold source water may be directed to the water heater by a same cold water line configured to direct fresh water to a toilet water tank. In some embodiments, a T connection may be employed to supply cold source water from a single line to both a toilet water tank and a present bidet assembly.

[0032] A nozzle assembly may comprise a single spray nozzle, or may comprise two or more spray nozzles configured to clean an underside of a bidet user (user). A nozzle assembly may be configured to be in fluid communication with and downstream of a water heater. A nozzle may be configured to be placed in a retracted position when not in use, and to be placed in an extended position when in use. In an extended position, a nozzle may be configured to dispense and spray cleansing water towards a rear underside of a user. In some embodiments, a nozzle may be configured be placed in a first extended position to direct cleansing water towards a user’s front underside, and to be placed in a second extended position to direct cleansing water towards a user’s rear underside. A nozzle may be configured to be placed in an extended position and to direct cleansing water towards a user’s front underside and / or rear underside independently through separate nozzle outlets. In some embodiments, a nozzle assembly may comprise individual nozzles configured to extend to direct cleansing water towards a user’s front underside or to a user’s rear underside. A nozzle may be configured to automatically be placed in an extended position through water pressure as the bidet is being operated, and to automatically be retracted when the bidet is not in use. In some embodiments, a nozzle position may be electronically adjusted through a control panel, for example by hydraulic pressure, by an electric motor / gear assembly, etc.

[0033] A control panel may comprise a water spray control knob or dial, configured to be operated by a user to direct cleansing water toward the user’s underside. In some embodiments, a water spray control knob may be a physical rotary knob. A water spray control knob may be configured to be rotated from an off position in a first direction to direct cleansing water to a user’s front underside, and to be rotated from the off position in an opposite second

[0034] 5

[0035] PH4377WO01 direction to direct cleansing water to a user’s rear underside. In some embodiments, an initial rotation of a control knob may provide for purging standing water from downstream of a water storage tank and / or water heater. This purge water may conveniently be employed for washing spray nozzles of a nozzle assembly. In some embodiments, a degree of rotation may be proportional to a pressure of cleansing water dispensed from a spray nozzle. For instance, an increased degree of rotation may be configured to provide for an increased cleansing water flow rate and water pressure. In some embodiments, an initial water flow caused by rotation of a control knob may activate the water heater, for instance by an electrically connected flow switch.

[0036] In addition to a water spray control knob or dial, a control panel may comprise a battery life indicator. A control panel may have a button configured to be operated or touched to indicate battery life. A control panel may also comprise a feature configured to select a cleansing water temperature, for instance a physical button or a capacitive button. A control panel may also indicate a cleansing water temperature to be delivered. A control panel may have a display configured to indicate a temperature of water in the storage tank. A control panel may indicate a use time, that is, a time of delivery of cleansing water for a single use (a use), and / or a total time a water heater is employed during a single use. Such features may help provide for conservation of battery life.

[0037] In some embodiments, a control panel may be a physical control panel associated with a bidet assembly. In other embodiments, a control panel may be a wireless remote control, or may be a virtual control panel associated with a mobile application. A control knob may be a physical knob or dial, or may be a virtual dial or digital array of a mobile application. A present bidet assembly may comprise one or more of a physical control panel on or at a bidet, a remote control panel, or a virtual control panel.

[0038] In some embodiments, a bidet assembly may comprise a presence sensor, for instance an infrared sensor, a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. A presence sensor may be configured to determine a user approaching a toilet, that is to say a “presence” of a user at a toilet. In some embodiments, as a presence sensor determines a presence of a user, the assembly may be configured to direct the water heater to initiate heating. In some embodiments, as a presence sensor determines a presence of a user, a toilet lid may be configured to automatically open, and / or the system may automatically purge standing water from downstream of the tank or water heater.

[0039] 6

[0040] PH4377WO01 A bidet assembly may comprise a controller (microcontroller or printed circuit board), configured to be electrically coupled to one or more displays, features, buttons, or switches of a control panel, a battery, a nozzle assembly, a presence sensor, a motion sensor, a flow sensor or flow switch, a temperature sensor, an electronic valve, an electric motor, etc. For example, in some embodiments, when a presence sensor detects a presence of a user, the sensor may relay this information to a controller, and the controller may send an instruction to lift a toilet lid. In another example, when a presence sensor detects a presence of a user, the sensor may send a signal to a controller, and the controller may then direct a purge of standing water and / or may activate the water heater.

[0041] In some embodiments, a bidet assembly may be configured to enter into a “sleep” mode during periods of low or infrequent use, and / or when a battery life is at or below a certain threshold. A sleep mode may provide for energy savings (battery life savings). For example, when a bidet assembly enters a sleep mode, a microcontroller may be programmed to reduce power consumption by disabling or pausing processes that may otherwise draw power during a period of non-use. An assembly may be configured to retain certain functionality to “wake” the system to enter an active mode and again provide full function. For example, a presence sensor, a motion sensor, or a seat pressure sensor may remain active in a sleep mode, and once a user is detected, an assembly may be configured to exit a sleep mode and return to an active mode. In some embodiments, a touch of a control panel surface or a touch of a control panel button, may be configured to cause a controller to exit a sleep mode and enter an active mode.

[0042] To conserve energy in a sleep mode, a central processing unit (CPU) of a controller may fully power down or may switch to a low-power state. As mentioned above, a sensor may detect a user and / or a user may operate a control panel, which may result in sending a signal to a controller causing it to enter into an active mode. Certain electronic peripherals, for example a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, and / or an LCD display of a control panel, and / or other components on a circuit board, may also be disabled during a sleep mode.

[0043] In some embodiments, a controller may be programmed by an end user, such that during certain time periods, a sleep mode is entered automatically. Such time periods may be for example during periods when no one is home, during overnight hours, etc. In some embodiments, a bidet assembly may be configured to automatically enter a sleep mode when it

[0044] 7

[0045] PH4377WO01 has not been used for a set time period, for example 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, etc. A bidet assembly may be configured to exit a sleep mode and to enter a normal operating mode (active mode) at the end of a programmed sleep mode time period. A bidet assembly may be configured to exit a sleep mode and to enter an active mode upon use.

[0046] In some embodiments, a bidet assembly may be configured to be manually placed in an energy savings mode. For example, if a user notices a battery life is towards a low level as indicated by a control panel, a user may place the system into an energy savings mode from an active mode by pushing a button or operating a toggle switch on the control panel. In some embodiments, a second push of a same button will place the system back in an active mode. When in an energy savings mode, a bidet assembly may be configured to limit one or more of a volume of warm cleansing water dispensed during a single use (a use), a total time a water heater is operated during a single use, or a total battery power usage during a single use. In some embodiments, a bidet assembly may be configured to enter an energy savings mode automatically when a battery life falls to a certain threshold, for example when a battery life falls to a battery life of about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 15%, or about 10%. A control panel may indicate a use time, that is, a time of delivery of cleansing water for a single use (a use), and / or a total time a water heater is employed during a single use. In some embodiments, a use time may be limited when in an energy savings mode, for example a use time of up to about 20 seconds, about 25 seconds, about 30 seconds, or about 35 seconds.

[0047] In some embodiments, detection of a user by a presence sensor may determine a start of a single use. In some embodiments, a presence sensor may detect when a user is no longer present, and to also relay this information to a controller. A detection of a presence and an absence of a user may define a “single use”. In other embodiments, detection of a presence and subsequent absence of a user by a pressure sensor may define a single use. In yet other embodiments, detection of extension and retraction of a spray nozzle, or detection of cleansing water flow start and stop may define a single use.

[0048] In some implementations, a present bidet assembly may be configured to be operated with electric power from a home electric line and to also be operated with battery power. For example, a present bidet assembly may be configured to be operated by wired household electric power, and for example, during a power outage, or prior to an electric outlet being

[0049] 8

[0050] PH4377WO01 placed in a convenient location to a toilet, may be configured to be operated with back-up battery power.

[0051] In some embodiments, a present bidet assembly may be configured to be operated in a manual mode without any electric power, for example in case of a lost or dead battery, or if a battery does not contain an adequate charge to operate any required functions, for example heating cleansing water. When in a bidet manual mode, operation of a water control knob or dial may be configured to provide for extension and retraction of one or more spray nozzles, and to provide for dispensing cleansing water towards a user’s underside, but not configured to provide for heated cleansing water.

[0052] A control knob or dial may be fluidly coupled to a water heater and also to a nozzle assembly. A present bidet assembly may be a “hybrid” assembly, configured to operate with or without electric power (manual mode). When in a manual mode, as mentioned, a water control knob or dial is configured to provide for cleansing water to be directed to a user’s front and / or rear underside.

[0053] In some embodiments, a present bidet may be configured to employ paradoxical heat sensation and / or thermal grill illusion techniques, which illusions occur when skin is alternatingly or simultaneously exposed to warm and cold water, creating a sensation wherein a perceived water temperature is different from the actual temperature. Such techniques are disclosed for example in U.S. app. No. 63 / 717,311 , filed November ?, 2024.

[0054] In some embodiments, a present bidet may be configured to employ intelligent deodorization systems, for instance systems configured to provide deodorization when needed based on sensed odor detection. Such systems are disclosed for example in U.S. app. No. 63 / 844,913, filed July 16, 2025.

[0055] Following are some non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

[0056] In a first embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly comprising a toilet seat; a nozzle assembly; a water heater; and a battery assembly; wherein the battery assembly comprises a rechargeable battery configured to electrically couple to and provide electric power to the water heater, the water heater is configured to heat cold source water and to provide warm cleansing

[0057] 9

[0058] PH4377WO01 water to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprises one or more spray nozzles, and the one or more spray nozzles are configured to direct the warm cleansing water towards an underside of a user seated on the toilet seat.

[0059] In a second embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to embodiment 1 , configured to be operated in an electric power mode and in a manual mode without electric power.

[0060] In a third embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the battery assembly comprises a charging dock, the charging dock configured to plug into an electric outlet and configured to receive and charge one or more rechargeable batteries. In some embodiments, a charging dock is configured to be coupled to a wall. In some embodiments, a battery may be configured to be conveniently coupled to a charging dock, and to be removed from the charging dock and electrically coupled to the water heater.

[0061] In a fourth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a control panel, wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to electrically couple to the control panel.

[0062] In a fifth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to provide electric power to one or more of a heated toilet seat, a night light, a warm air dryer, or an automatic open / close toilet lid mechanism.

[0063] In a sixth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a water storage tank fluidly coupled to and upstream of the water heater, the water storage tank configured to hold a volume of pressurized cold source water.

[0064] In a seventh embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control panel comprises a battery life indicator. In an eighth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control panel comprises a feature configured to select and indicate a temperature of the warm cleansing water. In a ninth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control panel comprises a display

[0065] 10

[0066] PH4377WO01 feature configured to indicate a warm cleansing water use time. In a tenth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control panel comprises a display feature configured to indicate a temperature of water stored in the water storage tank.

[0067] In an eleventh embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control panel comprises a control knob, the control knob configured to be rotated from an off position to cause water to be dispensed from the one or more spray nozzles. In a twelfth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to embodiment 11 , wherein the control knob is configured to be rotated from an off position in a first direction to select a front underside nozzle wash position, and to be rotated from the off position in a second direction to select a rear underside nozzle wash position. In a thirteenth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to embodiments 11 or 12, wherein a degree of control knob rotation is configured to control a cleansing water pressure dispensed from the one or more spray nozzles. In a fourteenth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of embodiments 11 to 13, wherein an initial rotation of the control knob provides for purging standing water downstream of the water heater and / or water storage tank, and for cleaning of the one or more nozzles.

[0068] In a fifteenth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein an initial water flow automatically activates the water heater.

[0069] In a sixteenth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising one or more of a physical control panel associated with the bidet assembly, a wireless remote control comprising a control panel, or a virtual control panel associated with a mobile application.

[0070] In a seventeenth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured to enter into an active mode or an energy savings mode, wherein when in the energy savings mode, the bidet assembly is configured to limit one or more of a volume of warm cleansing water dispensed during a use, a total time the water heater is employed during a use, or a total battery power usage during a use.

[0071] 11

[0072] PH4377WO01 In an eighteenth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the control panel comprises a feature configured to select between an active mode and an energy savings mode. In a nineteenth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bidet assembly is configured to automatically enter in an energy savings mode when a battery life is at or below a pre-set threshold.

[0073] In a twentieth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a presence sensor, the presence sensor configured to detect a presence of a user.

[0074] In a twenty-first embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, configured to automatically enter a sleep mode, wherein the sleep mode is configured to provide for energy savings. In a twenty-second embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bidet assembly is configured to automatically enter a sleep mode during set time periods. In a twenty-third embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bidet assembly is configured to automatically enter a sleep mode when a user has not been detected by a presence sensor for a set time period.

[0075] In a twenty-fourth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a control knob is fluidly coupled to the nozzle assembly.

[0076] In a twenty-fifth embodiment, disclosed is a bidet assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a control knob is configured to be operated to dispense unheated cleansing water from the one or more spray nozzles.

[0077] The term “flow communication” or “fluid communication” means for example configured for liquid or gas flow therethrough and may be synonymous with “fluidly coupled”. Similarly, “electrical communication” may be synonymous with “electrically coupled”. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

[0078] 12

[0079] PH4377WO01 The terms “coupled” or “connected” may mean that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled or connected may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. Coupled or connected may also mean permanently coupled or removably coupled. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or connected or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.

[0080] The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge.

[0081] The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

[0082] The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about" used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, "about" may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1 %, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1 %, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10%. All numeric values are modified by the term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term "about" include the specific identified value. For example "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

[0083] The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, or ±10% of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.

[0084] U.S. patents and patent applications indicated herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0085] 13

[0086] PH4377WO01 Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

[0087] Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and / or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and / or sub-combinations of embodiments.

[0088] PH4377WO01

Claims

Claims1 . A bidet assembly comprising a toilet seat; a nozzle assembly; a water heater; and a battery assembly, wherein the battery assembly comprises a rechargeable battery configured to electrically couple to the water heater, the water heater is configured to heat cold source water and to provide warm cleansing water to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprises one or more spray nozzles, and the one or more spray nozzles are configured to direct the warm cleansing water towards an underside of a user positioned on the toilet seat.

2. The bidet assembly according to claim 1 , configured to be operated in an electric power mode and in a manual mode without electric power.

3. The bidet assembly according to claim 1 , comprising a water storage tank fluidly coupled to and upstream of the water heater, the water storage tank configured to hold a volume of pressurized cold source water and to allow the cold source water to come to ambient room temperature.

4. The bidet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the battery assembly comprises a charging dock, the charging dock configured to plug into an electric outlet and to receive and charge one or more rechargeable batteries.

5. The bidet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to provide electric power to one or more of a heated toilet seat, a night light, a warm air dryer, or an automatic open / close toilet lid mechanism.PH4377WO016. The bidet assembly according to claim 1 , comprising a control panel selected from one or more of a physical control panel positioned at the bidet assembly, a control panel on a wireless remote control, or a virtual control panel on a mobile application.

7. The bidet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the control panel comprises a battery life indicator.

8. The bidet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the control panel comprises a feature configured to select and indicate a temperature of the warm cleansing water.

9. The bidet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the control panel comprises a display feature configured to indicate a warm cleansing water use time.

10. The bidet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the control panel comprises a display feature configured to indicate a temperature of water stored in the water storage tank.

11. The bidet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the control panel comprises a feature configured to select between an active mode and an energy savings mode.

12. The bidet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the control panel comprises a control knob, the control knob configured to be rotated from an off position to cause water to be dispensed from the one or more spray nozzles.

13. The bidet assembly according to claim 12, wherein the control knob is configured to be rotated from an off position in a first direction to select a front underside nozzle wash position, and to be rotated from the off position in a second direction to select a rear underside nozzle wash position.

14. The bidet assembly according to claim 12, wherein a degree of control knob rotation is configured to control a cleansing water pressure dispensed from the one or more spray nozzles.

15. The bidet assembly according to claim 12, wherein an initial rotation of the control knob provides for purging standing water downstream of the water heater and / or water storage tank, and for cleaning of the one or more spray nozzles.16PH4377WO0116. The bidet assembly according to claim 12, wherein the control knob is fluidly coupled to the nozzle assembly.

17. The bidet assembly according to claim 12, wherein the control knob is configured to be operated to dispense unheated cleansing water from the one or more spray nozzles.

18. The bidet assembly according to claim 1 , configured to enter into an active mode or an energy savings mode, wherein when in the energy savings mode, the bidet assembly is configured to limit one or more of a volume of warm cleansing water dispensed during a use, a total time the water heater is employed during a use, or a total battery power usage during a use.

19. The bidet assembly according to claim 1 , configured to automatically enter a sleep mode, wherein the sleep mode is configured to provide for energy savings.

20. The bidet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein an initial water flow automatically activates the water heater.PH4377WO01

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