A plunger is a tool driven by or against fluid pressure. In plumbing, the word plunger most commonly refers to a handheld tool used to clear blockages in drains and pipes, and a plumbing plunger of this kind typically consists of a rubber suction cup fixed to a wooden or plastic shaft, though a different, bellows-shaped design made of plastic is also common; other names for a plumbing plunger include force cup, plumber's friend and plumber's helper. The same word also describes unrelated devices built around a similar sliding or pressure-driven action, such as the plunger used to mute a trumpet or trombone in musical performance, or the moving component that generates flow inside a device such as a medical syringe or a French press coffee brewer.
Facts
Introduced When (Circa)1874, patented by John Hawley 1 OriginPatented in 1874 by New York confectioner John Hawley as an Improvement in vent-clearers for wash-bowls; a flattened rim was added to the design in 1876. 1 Power Source In the Other Atlases
Era Of Origin
Also in History Atlas: the era this subject comes from.
Source Plunger (Wikipedia)Article texttier 2Quote, Article text
The plumbing plunger was invented in 1874 by New York confectioner John Hawley, with the flattened rim added in 1876.
Sources
1. Plunger (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationWikipedia, Plunger, History section
The invention is referred to in the patent as a vent-clearer, and was marketed as a force cup.
Lead
the term plunger commonly refers to handheld tools used to clear blockages in drains and pipes
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