Abstract: This invention relates to a modular, external emergency structure particularly suitable for use as a fire escape. This structure comprises several modules stacked one on top of the other; the modules have a closed top surface featuring means suitable to open under the weight of a person and close immediately afterwards. In this way, said person falls into each module in succession in a controlled way, slowing down the fall. The structure comprises a bottom module found at ground level and several other modules, preferably different from the bottom module, to be stacked on top of the bottom module. Ideally, the height of each module should not be less than the height of the floor of the building to which it is connected; while, the height of the structure should not be less than the height of the last floor of the building to which said structure is connected.

Abstract: A hammer, for use in absorbing some of the reaction force upon impact, is provided. This hammer included a head and a handle and a connector therebetween. The connector has a hinge and has a spring member. The hinge has a pair of spaced plates fixedly connected to the handle and has a center plate disposed between the pairs of spaced plates and fixedly connected to the head. A hinge pin passes through three respective holes in the three plates. The spring member is a collar composed of a urethane material. The collar encloses the hinge and fits snugly between a flange on the head and a flange on the handle, so that bending of the collar causes a compression force on one side of the collar. The hinge has stop surfaces for limiting tilting of the head in one rotary direction about the hinge pin. The hinge allows tilting in an opposite rotary direction about the hinge pin, and allows compression of the collar. A second embodiment has a spring member which is a bent wire spring member.