The toilet snorkel was patented in 1982. The invention allowed a trapped individual in a burning high-rise to use the snorkel to breathe until rescue.

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 In 1982, an inventor named William Lina Jr. patented a rather unusual device: the toilet snorkel. This seemingly bizarre invention was born out of a very real need – providing a source of fresh air to individuals trapped in burning high-rise buildings.

Here's a deeper dive into this fascinating, yet ultimately impractical, concept:

The Logic Behind the Toilet Snorkel

The core idea behind the toilet snorkel is ingenious in its simplicity. During a fire, smoke inhalation poses a major threat. However, the venting system of a toilet connects to a vent pipe, which ultimately leads outside the building. The water trap in the toilet bowl acts as a barrier, preventing sewer gases from entering the home.

The patented design envisioned a long, flexible tube that could be snaked through the water trap of a toilet bowl. One end of the tube would be submerged in the clean air pocket above the water, while the other end would be accessible to the trapped person. By breathing through the snorkel, they could access fresh air from the vent pipe, bypassing the smoke-filled room.

Practical Considerations and Limitations

While the concept had merit, the toilet snorkel faced several practical limitations:

• Installation: In a high-stress situation like a fire, navigating the twists and turns of a toilet's water trap with a long tube would be challenging, if not impossible. The design likely wouldn't be readily available in most bathrooms.
• Smoke Inhalation: While the snorkel might provide some fresh air, it wouldn't filter out smoke particles entirely. Smoke inhalation could still cause serious health problems.
• Psychological Impact: Being trapped in a burning building is a terrifying experience. The mental strain of using an unfamiliar device in a cramped space could further exacerbate the situation.
• Limited Availability of Fresh Air: The air pocket in the toilet bowl might not be large enough to sustain someone for an extended period, especially if multiple people were relying on the same snorkel.

Alternatives and Advancements

Fortunately, fire safety regulations and building codes have evolved significantly since 1982. Modern high-rise buildings are equipped with improved ventilation systems and fire escape routes. Additionally, firefighters have access to more sophisticated equipment for rescuing individuals from burning buildings.

However, the concept of the toilet snorkel highlights the ingenuity people employ during emergencies. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety education and preparedness.

While the toilet snorkel itself might not be a practical solution, it has sparked some interesting alternative ideas. Some modern high-rise buildings are exploring the possibility of built-in emergency air supply systems readily accessible in bathrooms, drawing inspiration from the basic principle of the toilet snorkel.

The Toilet Snorkel: A Legacy of Innovation

Despite its limitations, the toilet snorkel holds a unique place in fire safety history. It represents a creative attempt to solve a life-threatening problem with readily available resources. Though ultimately impractical, it serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the constant drive to improve fire safety measures.