PUNGER WITH SPLASHGUARD

Abstract

A plunger includes a flexible bell, an elongated handle, and a shroud. The flexible bell has a hollow defining a volume and an open bottom end positionable in the bowl, facing a drain. The handle is coupled to the end of the bell opposite the open end. The bell can have at least two configurations: an expanded, relaxed configuration and a compressed configuration achieved by pushing the handle towards the bell. The shroud covers the bell, has its bottom sealed to the perimeter of the open bottom of the bell, and has an open top through which the handle may move. An interior profile of the shroud defined by the shroud's inner surface matches and maintains a substantially constant distance to the bell while in its relaxed configuration.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a plunger device configured to remove obstructions from a drain through which fluid drains from a bowl, such as a toilet bowl.

[0003] Related Art

[0004] Toilets and sinks are susceptible to clogging when one or more objects obstruct the drain through which the water flows. Such clogging causes back-up and prevents the contents of the bowl from draining properly. A plunger is one device used to dislodge obstructions and relieve drains of clogging. Plungers typically consist of a long handle with an agitating bell connected to one end.

[0005] To unclog a drain, the user positions the open end of the bell over the drain and uses the handle to compress and relax the bell, forcing air and water pressure to dislodge the obstruction. Often, this movement causes the bowl's contents to splash and spill over the sides, possibly creating an unclean and unsanitary environment.

[0006] Splash guards have been proposed to resist splashing. For example, see US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0010832; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,522,094; 4,458,368; 7,523,510; and 7,124,450. One problem with some splash guards is that they are large and can displace a larger amount of water when placed in the bowl. Some clogs cause water to fill or even overflow the bowl. Thus, placing a plunger can cause additional water to overflow the bowl; and a large splash guard can cause an even greater amount of water to overflow the bowl.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a plunger device that that would prevent or reduce the splashing and spilling of the contents of a bowl while attempting to remove obstructions from the bowl's drain. In addition it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a splash guard for a plunger to resist displacement of water out of the bowl, and minimize the amount of water overflowing the bowl when the plunger is inserted into the bowl.

[0008] The invention provides a plunger to remove an obstruction from a drain through which fluid drains from a bowl. The plunger comprises a flexible bell having a hollow defining a volume and an open bottom end positionable in the bowl and facing the drain. An elongated handle is coupled to a top of the bell opposite the open bottom end. The bell has at least two configurations, including: 1) an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume, and 2) a compressed configuration in which the handle is pushed towards the bell, displacing the top of the bell towards the hollow defining a smaller compressed volume, less than the greater volume, configured to expel fluid from the hollow of the bell and into the drain. The exterior of the bell has an outermost exterior surface defining an exterior profile in the expanded, relaxed configuration. A shroud has a bottom sealed to the bell around a circumference thereof, and an open top through which the handle is movably disposed. The shroud has an inner surface opposing the outermost exterior surface of the bell and defining an interior profile. The interior profile of the shroud matches the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration. The interior profile of the shroud maintains a substantially constant distance with respect to the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration from the bottom of the shroud to the top of the bell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a plunger and shroud positioned over the drain of a bowl in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and wherein a bell and a shroud have an arcuate portion, and with the bell of the plunger in an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger and shroud of FIG. 1 with the bell of the plunger in a compressed configuration having a smaller compressed volume.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a close-up, cross-sectional view of a portion of the plunger and shroud of FIG. 1 showing the spatial proximity between the plunger's bell and splashguard.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another plunger and shroud in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bell and shroud have an arcuate portion, and with the bell of the plunger in an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger and shroud of FIG. 4 with the bell of the plunger in a compressed configuration having a smaller compressed volume.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another plunger and shroud in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bell has a bellows portion and the shroud has a frusto-conical shape, and with the bell of the plunger in an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger and shroud of FIG. 6 with the bell of the plunger in a compressed configuration.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a side view of the bell of the plunger of FIG. 6 in the expanded, relaxed configuration.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of another plunger and shroud in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bell has a bellows portion and the shroud has a frusto-conical shape, and with the bell of the plunger in an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger and shroud of FIG. 9 with the bell of the plunger in a compressed configuration.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a side view of the bell of the plunger of FIG. 9 in the expanded, relaxed configuration.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another plunger and shroud in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with a bell of the plunger in an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another plunger and shroud in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, and with a bell of the plunger in an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of another plunger and shroud in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the plunger and shroud of FIG. 14.

[0025] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S)

Definitions

[0026] The term "bowl" is used herein to refer to a toilet bowl, a sink or basin, shower pan, or the like that receives liquid or water, and that can hold the liquid, and that can have a drain therein through which the liquid or water can drain through the bowl. The liquid or water in the bell can include other liquids and particulates.

[0027] The term "drain" is used herein to refer to an opening in the bowl through which the liquid or water can drain, and can include a passage or pipe, such as a U-shaped bend, siphon, trap or trapway.

[0028] The term "obstruction" is used herein to refer to a clog in the drain and/or bowl. The obstruction can be formed of particulates in the liquid or water, such as toilet paper, feces, urine, hair, food remnants, etc. The obstruction can be lodged in the drain and/or bowl, and can prevent normal draining of the liquid, water and particulate through the drain.

[0029] The term "bell" is used herein to refer to an agitator bell configured to expel or displace liquid or water in the bell towards the drain in order to dislodge the obstruction. The bell can be flexible and elastic. Thus, the bell can be collapsed or compressed. The bell can have an expanded, relaxed configuration with a greater volume, and a compressed configuration with a smaller compressed volume than the greater volume. The bell can be elastic to return to the expanded, relaxed configuration. In one aspect, the bell can have an arcuate portion with an arcuate profile, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, 12 and 13. In one aspect, the arcuate portion or profile can have a single continuous arc or curvature, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. In another aspect, the arcuate portion or profile can have a segmented curve formed of multiple arcuate portions, such as a beehive, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In another aspect, the bell can have a bellows portion, as shown in FIGS. 6-10. In one aspect, the bellows can have a frusto-conical shape. In one aspect, the bellows can have a diameter or width that decreases towards an open bottom end, as shown in FIGS. 6-8. In another aspect, the bellows can have a diameter or width that increases towards the open bottom end, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. In one aspect, the bell can include a funnel portion sized and shaped to better match the drain. In one aspect, the bell or plunger can be configured for use with toilet bowls. In another aspect, the bell or plunger can be configured for use with sinks or basins.

DESCRIPTION

[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a plunger device, indicated generally at 10, in an example implementation in accordance with the invention is shown. The plunger device 10 is configured to remove an obstruction 12 from a drain 14 through which fluid drains from a bowl 18, while resisting the contents and/or liquid 20 of the bowl 18 from splashing due to the plunger's use, and reducing the amount or contents and/or liquid 20 overflowing the bowl 18 when the plunger is inserted therein. The plunger 10 can comprise a flexible bell 22, an elongated handle 26, and a shroud 30. In one aspect, the shroud 30 can be provided with the bell and the handle so that the plunder 10 is provided as a single unit. In another aspect, the shroud 30 can be provided separately and can be used to retrofit an existing plunger (handle and bell). The bell can have various different configurations, shapes, and/or sizes, as described below. The shroud can be configured to match the bell, or the profile of the bell, in an expanded, relaxed configuration, to reduce a volume of the shroud, and thus the volume of water displaced with the plunger (bell and shroud) is inserted into the bowl, and into the contents and/or liquid in the bowl. In one aspect, an interior of the shroud can maintain a close and constant distance with respect to an exterior profile of the bell. Thus, a volume of the shroud is not much greater than a volume of the bell.

[0031] The bell 22 can have a hollow 32 defining a volume, and an open bottom end 34 that may be positioned in the bowl 18 and facing the drain 14. The plunger handle 26 can be coupled to a top 36 of the bell 22 opposite the open bottom end 34. The bell can be flexible, resilient and elastic, and can be formed of a flexible and resilient material, and an elastic material, such as rubber or plastic. The handle can be rigid, and can be formed of a rigid material, such as plastic or wood. In one aspect, a plastic or wood handle can be threadedly attached to the bell. In another aspect, the bell and handle can be integrally formed together at the same time and of the same material as a single unit. The bell 22 can have at least two configurations, including: 1) an expanded, relaxed configuration (FIG. 1); and 2) a compressed configuration (FIG. 2) formed when the handle 26 is pushed towards the bell 22, displacing the top of the bell towards the hollow. The compressed configuration creates a smaller compressed volume smaller than a greater volume defined by the expanded, relaxed configuration, and is configured to expel fluid from the hollow of the bell and into the drain 14 in order to dislodge any obstruction. The bell can be biased towards the expanded, relaxed configuration by the elastic material.

[0032] The exterior of the bell 22 has an outermost exterior surface 46 which defines an exterior profile when the bell 22 is in the expanded, relaxed configuration. In one aspect, the bell may include an arcuate portion 66. Therefore, the exterior profile of the bell, defined by the outermost exterior surface 46 of the bell 22 while in the relaxed configuration, may also include an arcuate portion. The arcuate portion 66 of the bell 22 can extend from the top 36 of the bell to a bottom 40 to form a concave hollow facing towards the drain, and with a perimeter at the bottom of the arcuate portion. In one aspect, the bell 22 can also have a funnel portion 68 attached to the arcuate portion 66. The funnel portion can be sized and shaped to better match the drain. The funnel portion can have a straight or curved frusto-conical shell that has a smaller diameter than a bottom of the arcuate portion, and attached to the arcuate portion by a flat, annular wall extending from the perimeter at the bottom of the arcuate portion, to the funnel portion. In one aspect, the bell can be formed by the concave portion and the funnel portion. In another aspect, the bell can be formed by the concave portion, and the funnel portion can form or be part of the open bottom end of the bell.

[0033] The shroud 30 can form a splashguard separating an exterior of the bell 22 (or the arcuate portion 66 thereof) from the contents and/or fluid 20 of the bowl 18 while the plunger is positioned in the bowl 18 and over the drain 14. While the bell 22 is compressed and relaxed to expel water in an attempt to dislodge obstructions 12 from the drain 14, the shroud 30 can provide room for the bell (or the arcuate portion 66 thereof) to move while preventing such movement from displacing the contents and/or fluid 20 of the bowl 18 surrounding the bell back towards the user. Thus, the shroud 30 can separate the bell 22 (or the arcuate portion 66 thereof) from the contents and/or fluid 20 of the bowl 18. The shroud 30 can have a bottom 42 sealed to the bell 34 around a circumference of the bell. In one aspect, the bottom 42 of the shroud can be sealed to the bottom 40 of the arcuate portion 66 of the bell, and/or at an outer perimeter of the bell near the bottom 40 of the bell or near the open bottom end of the bell or near a top of the funnel portion, or between the funnel portion and the arcuate portion of the bell. The shroud 30 can also have an open top 44 through which the handle 26 is movably disposed, allowing the handle to reciprocate to compress and relax the bell 22 without causing movement by the shroud. In one aspect, the shroud 30 can be rigid, and can be formed of a rigid material, such as plastic.

[0034] The shroud 30 has an inner surface 50 opposing the outermost exterior surface 46 of the bell 22. The inner surface 50 of the shroud 30 defines an interior profile which matches the exterior profile of the bell 22 (or the arcuate portion 66 thereof) while the bell is in the expanded, relaxed configuration. The interior profile of the shroud, defined by the inner surface of the shroud 50, can also have an arcuate portion. The arcuate portion can extend from a bottom 42 of the shroud at the bottom 40 of the bell, to a top 70 of the shroud at the top 36 of the bell.

[0035] The interior profile of the shroud 30 can maintain a substantially constant distance 54 with respect to the exterior profile of the bell while the bell is in its expanded, relaxed configuration, from the bottom 42 of the shroud 30 to the top 36 of the bell 22, or from the bottom 40 of the arcuate portion 66 to the top 70 of the arcuate portion of the bell (as shown in FIG. 3). In one aspect, the inner surface 50 of the shroud 22 can contact the outermost exterior surface 46 of the bell 22 from the bottom 42 of the shroud 30 to the top 70 of the shroud 30 while the bell is in the expanded, relaxed configuration. In another aspect, the inner surface 50 of the shroud 22 can be separated from the outermost exterior surface 46 of the bell 22 by a gap 72 with a substantially constant cross-sectional thickness between the outermost exterior surface 46 of the bell and the interior surface 50 of the shroud 30.

[0036] In addition, the shroud 30 can have an outermost exterior surface 76 defining an exterior profile that can match the interior profile of the shroud 30. The shroud 30 can have a wall with a substantially constant cross-sectional thickness. Thus, the shroud can minimize any additional water displacement caused by the shroud 30.

[0037] As described above, the shroud 30 is configured to match the bell, or the profile of the bell, in an expanded, relaxed configuration, to reduce a volume of the shroud, and thus the volume of water displaced with the plunger (bell and shroud) is inserted into the bowl, and into the contents and/or liquid in the bowl. Thus, a volume of the shroud 30 is not much greater than a volume of the bell 22. The shroud 30 has an interior volume defined by the inner surface 50 of the shroud. The bell 22 has an exterior volume defined by the outermost exterior surface 46 of the bell, or the exterior profile of the bell. The difference between the interior volume of the shroud 30 and the exterior volume of the bell 22 is less than 20%. The shroud 30 can have a cover portion covering the bell 22 and defining an interior volume that is greater than the volume defined by the outermost exterior surface of the bell 46, while in the expanded, relaxed configuration, by less than 20%.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, another plunger 10b is shown that is similar in many respects to the plunger 10 described above, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The plunger also has a shroud 30b configured to match a bell 22b. The shroud 30b and the bell 22b can have arcuate portions and profiles. The plunger or bell can be configured for use with a basin or sink, and thus may have an open bottom end 34b at the bottom 40b of the bell.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, another plunger 10c is shown that is similar in many respects to the plungers described above, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The plunger also has a shroud 30c configured to match a bell 22c. The shroud 30c can include a bellows portion 80. The exterior profile of the bell 22c is defined by the outermost exterior surface 46c of the bellows portion 80. The profile of the bell can thus be frusto-conical, and can be oriented to have a diameter or width that decreases towards an open bottom end, as shown in FIGS. 6-8. Thus the frusto-conical profile of the bell can taper from a greater diameter at the top of the bell to a lesser diameter at the bottom of the bell. The shroud can taper from a greater diameter at the top of the bell to a lesser diameter at the bottom of the bell, to match a profile of the bell. The interior profile of the shroud 30c includes a portion 84 that is frusto-conical, and that matches the exterior profile of the bell, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, another plunger 10d is shown that is similar in many respects to the plungers described above, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The plunger also has a shroud 30d configured to match a bell 22d. The shroud 30d can include a bellows portion 88. The exterior profile of the bell 22d is defined by the outermost exterior surface 46d of the bellows portion 88. The profile of the bell can thus be frusto-conical, and can be oriented to have a diameter or width that increases towards the open bottom end, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. Thus the frusto-conical profile of the bell can taper from a greater diameter at the bottom of the bell to a lesser diameter at the top of the bell. Th shroud can taper from a greater diameter at the bottom of the bell to a lesser diameter at the top of the bell, to match a profile of the bell. The interior profile of the shroud 30d includes a portion 92 that is frusto-conical, and that matches the exterior profile of the bell, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, plunger 10e and 10f are shown that are similar in many respects to the plungers described above, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The arcuate portion or profile can have a segmented curve formed of multiple arcuate portions, such as a beehive, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The plunger also has a shroud 30e configured to match a bell 22e. The shroud 30e and the bell 22e can have arcuate portions and profiles. The shroud 30f can be frusto-conical.

[0042] The bells and shrouds described above can have or can create a suction between the bell and the shroud due to the matching profiles and the substantially constant distance 54 or contacting relationship therebetween. In one aspect, the open top 44 of the shroud 30 can be sized to allow sufficient air flow between the handle and the open top. In another aspect, the handles described above can be hollow or can have a hollow or air passage along at least a portion thereof to facilitate the flow of air in and out of the gap 72 between the shroud and the bell. And the air passage can allow for air to be expelled from the gap between the shroud and the bell to facilitate return of the bell. For example, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, another plunder 10g is shown that is similar in many respects to the plungers described above, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The plunger also has a handle 26g that is hollow or has a hollow or air passage 96 along at least a portion thereof. The hollow or air passage can extend between an upper opening or inlet 100 near a top of the handle and outside of the shroud in the expanded, relaxed configuration, and a lower opening or outlet 104 near a bottom of the handle and inside the shroud. The upper inlet 100 can be spaced apart from the top of the handle to resist being covered by a user's hand during use. The lower outlet 104 can be located in or near the gap, and inside the shroud. The interior surface of the shroud and/or an exterior surface of the bell can have ribs and/or grooves therein to facilitate the flow of air from the lower opening or outlet to between the shroud and the bell.

[0043] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A plunger device configured to remove an obstruction from a drain through which fluid drains from a bowl, the plunger device comprising: a) a flexible bell having a hollow defining a volume and an open bottom end positionable in the bowl and facing the drain; b) an elongated handle coupled to a top of the bell opposite the open bottom end; c) the bell having at least two configurations, including: i) an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume, and ii) a compressed configuration in which the handle is pushed towards the bell, displacing the top of the bell towards the hollow defining a smaller compressed volume, less than the greater volume, configured to expel fluid from the hollow of the bell and into the drain; d) the exterior of the bell having an outermost exterior surface defining an exterior profile in the expanded, relaxed configuration; e) a shroud having a bottom sealed to the bell around a circumference thereof, and an open top through which the handle is movably disposed; f) the shroud having an inner surface opposing the outermost exterior surface of the bell and defining an interior profile; and g) the interior profile of the shroud matching the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration; and the interior profile of the shroud maintaining a substantially constant distance with respect to the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration from the bottom of the shroud to the top of the bell.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle has an air passage therein extending from an upper opening outside the shroud to a lower opening inside the shroud.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the shroud has a cover portion covering the bell and defining an interior volume of the cover portion that is greater than a volume defined by an exterior surface of the bell or the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration by less than twenty percent.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the shroud has an interior volume defined by the inner surface of the shroud; wherein the bell has an exterior volume defined by the outermost exterior surface of the bell or exterior profile of the bell; and wherein a difference between the interior volume of the shroud and the exterior volume of the bell is less than 20%.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the exterior profile of the bell includes an arcuate portion, and wherein the interior profile of the shroud includes an arcuate portion.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the bell includes a bellows portion and the exterior profile of the bell defined by the outermost exterior surface is frusto-conical; and wherein the interior profile of the shroud includes a portion that is frusto-conical.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the exterior profile of the bell tapers from a greater diameter at the bottom of the bell to a lesser diameter at the top of the bell; and wherein the shroud tapers from a greater diameter at the bottom of the bell to a lesser diameter at the top of the bell.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein the exterior profile of the bell tapers from a greater diameter at the top of the bell to a lesser diameter at the bottom of the bell; and wherein the shroud tapers from a greater diameter at the top of the bell to a lesser diameter at the bottom of the bell.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the shroud contacts the outermost exterior surface of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration from the bottom of the shroud to the open top of the shroud.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the exterior of the shroud has an outermost exterior surface defining an exterior profile; and wherein the exterior profile of the shroud matches the interior profile of the shroud.

11. A plunger device configured to remove an obstruction from a drain through which fluid drains from a bowl, the plunger device comprising: a) a flexible bell with a bellows portion and having a hollow defining a volume and an open bottom end positionable in the bowl and facing the drain; b) an elongated handle coupled to a top of the bell opposite the open bottom end; c) the bell having at least two configurations, including: i) an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume, and ii) a compressed configuration in which the handle is pushed towards the bell, displacing the top of the bell towards the hollow defining a smaller compressed volume, less than the greater volume, configured to expel fluid from the hollow of the bell and into the drain; d) the exterior of the bell having an outermost exterior surface defining an exterior profile with an arcuate portion in the expanded, relaxed configuration; e) a shroud having a bottom sealed to the bell around a circumference thereof, and an open top through which the handle is movably disposed; the shroud having an inner surface opposing the outermost exterior surface of the bell and defining an interior profile with an arcuate portion; and g) the interior profile of shroud matching the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration; and the interior profile of the shroud maintaining a substantially constant distance with respect to the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration from the bottom of the shroud to the top of the bell.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the handle has an air passage therein extending from an upper opening outside the shroud to a lower opening inside the shroud.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the shroud has a cover portion covering the bell and defining an interior volume of the cover portion that is greater than a volume defined by an exterior surface of the bell or the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration by less than twenty percent.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein the shroud has an interior volume defined by the inner surface of the shroud; wherein the bell defines an exterior volume defined by the outermost exterior surface of the bell or exterior profile of the bell; and wherein a difference between the interior volume of the shroud and the exterior volume of the bell is less than 20%.

15. The device of claim 11, wherein the inner surface of the shroud contacts the outermost exterior surface of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration from the bottom of the shroud to the open top of the shroud.

16. The device of claim 11, wherein the exterior of the shroud has an outermost exterior surface defining an exterior profile; and wherein the exterior profile of the shroud matches the interior profile of the shroud.

17. A plunger device configured to remove an obstruction from a drain through which fluid drains from a bowl, the plunger device comprising: a) a flexible bell having a hollow defining a volume and an open bottom end positionable in the bowl and facing the drain; b) an elongated handle coupled to a top of the bell opposite the open bottom end; c) the bell having at least two configurations, including: i) an expanded, relaxed configuration having a greater volume, and ii) a compressed configuration in which the handle is pushed towards the bell, displacing the top of the bell towards the hollow defining a smaller compressed volume, less than the greater volume, configured to expel fluid from the hollow of the bell and into the drain; and d) the exterior of the bell having an outermost exterior surface defining an exterior profile with a frusto-conical portion in the expanded, relaxed configuration; e) a shroud having a bottom sealed to the bell around a circumference thereof, and an open top through which the handle is movably disposed; f) the shroud having an inner surface opposing the outermost exterior surface of the bell and defining an interior profile with a frusto-conical portion; and g) the interior profile of shroud matching the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration; and the interior profile of the shroud maintaining a substantially constant distance with respect to the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration from the bottom of the shroud to the top of the bell.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the handle has an air passage therein extending from an upper opening outside the shroud to a lower opening inside the shroud.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the shroud has a cover portion covering the bell and defining an interior volume of the cover portion that is greater than a volume defined by an exterior surface of the bell or the exterior profile of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration by less than twenty percent.

20. The device of claim 17, wherein the shroud has an interior volume defined by the inner surface of the shroud; wherein the bell defines an exterior volume defined by the outermost exterior surface of the bell or exterior profile of the bell; and wherein a difference between the interior volume of the shroud and the exterior volume of the bell is less than 20%.

21. The device of claim 17, wherein the inner surface of the shroud contacts the outermost exterior surface of the bell in the expanded, relaxed configuration from the bottom of the shroud to the open top of the shroud.

22. The device of claim 17, wherein the exterior profile of the bell tapers from a greater diameter at the bottom of the bell to a lesser diameter at the top of the bell; and wherein the shroud tapers from a greater diameter at the bottom of the bell to a lesser diameter at the top of the bell.

23. The device of claim 17, wherein the exterior profile of the bell tapers from a greater diameter at the top of the bell to a lesser diameter at the bottom of the bell; and wherein the shroud tapers from a greater diameter at the bottom of the bell to a lesser diameter at the top of the bell.

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